The second annual Big Jack Classic Ice Fishing Derby, hosted by the Stettler Regional Board of Trade (BOT), is in the history books.
Running over Family Day weekend, the competition ran Feb. 17-18, with registration beginning on Friday, Feb. 16.
“It was, all-in-all, a successful event,” said BOT executive director Byron Geddes.
The weekend featured a spaghetti supper on the evening of Feb. 17 and a sold-out windup gala featuring the young musical group Dust on Feb. 18 at the Rochon Sands Community Hall.
Geddes described Dust’s music as “Awesome.”
In total, 372 paid competitors took part in the ice-fishing derby, and thanks to the many sponsors of the event organizers were able to award over $10,000 in prizes.
Competitors were broken into junior and senior divisions with awards presented in each.
In the senior division, the longest catch overall, and $2,000, was awarded to Darryl Gustavson with a fish 102 cm long. Coming in second place was Tim Monteith, who won $1,000, with his 92.7 cm catch. Close behind, winning $500, was Matt Lakusta, with his 91.8 cm catch.
Winning $1,500 for longest catch overall in the youth division was Faith Foesier, and her 86 cm catch. In second place, winning $750, was Blake Blackburn and their 83 cm catch. In third, winning $250, was Dane Riggins with his 81.6 cm catch.
Other prizes awarded during the tournament were for the first fish submitted each day adult and junior, first adult and youth registered, and the person furthest travelled to reach the derby.
“It was absolutely fantastic,” said Geddes.
“We’re thankful that the community came out and made it special for us.”