I enjoy watching the ice fisherman and bob houses appear off my dock on Paugus Bay each year. I have visited fisherman here as well as off Ellacoya State Beach and in Meredith. It is so cool to see their catch, hear about ice depths, and enjoy their stories.
(Ice Fishermen off my dock on Paugus Bay)
The 41st annual Great Meredith Rotary Ice Fishing Derby was held Feb. 8-9. Participants traveled from Iowa, Missouri, Texas, California, and even Ireland for a chance to win more than $50,000 in cash prizes.
(Ice Fishermen in Meredith Bay alongside the snow mobile trail and hockey rinks)
Originally called the Winnipesaukee Fishing Derby, created to support local businesses during the winter, the rotary hoped to sell 500 tickets for the first event in 1979 and more than 1,000 tickets were sold. In 2020, approximately 5,000 tickets were sold. An Iowa visitor won the $5,000 Saturday cash drawing this year.
(Ice Fishermen off Ellacoya State Park)