ACTON, Maine — Warmer weather across Maine has put a pause on many winter activities over the past couple of years, but Friday brought a sweet spot of conditions for ice fishing fanatics to participate in the annual fishing derby hosted by Springvale Fish and Game Club.
The York County Derby, now in its eighth year, brought in nearly 300 signups this weekend, including participants who live well outside northern New England.
"We even have tickets sold out to Minnesota, Wyoming, Florida," event organizer Jon Gielarowski said. "It's grown a lot more than just within the town."
Participants were able to fish at locations across York County, but home base for the derby was Iron Tales Saloon in Acton. There, folks could get their fish weighed, enter into multiple raffles, or even grab a bite to eat at a nearby food truck.
"I think people like to come ice fishing because it's something you can do and get out of the house in the wintertime," Joe Pierce, the club president, said. "I know in the winter everybody is stuck in the house, and it's cold, and it just gives somebody a reason to get dressed and get out and enjoy nature."
Many of the participants dropped their lines across the street on Mousam Lake, hoping to catch large-mouth bass, pickerel perch, salmon, and brook trout.
Although the event is meant for the whole family, event organizers say the goal of each derby is to share the tradition of the sport with younger generations as a way to get outdoors.
Donations and funds from registration signups this year will go to help pay for youth to attend YMCA camps.
"I think we had 45 kids sign up for the derby," Pierce said. "Just the purpose of the club, I think, is to help the community and helping kids and getting kids into outdoor sports and activities."