fishing FOCUS ON

19th Annual Youth Ice Fishing Derby

Saturday, February 11, 2023, 9 a.m. to noon

Dale Doepker

For questions about the Fishing Club or about fishing in Canadian Lakes, contact Dale Doepker at dtroutman97@aol.com or 231-972-8663

BRING THE KIDS for a fun time ice fishing, whether or not they have done it before. No registration needed, just show up. Fishing rods, bait, holes, bonfire, are all provided free. The Optimists Club will be providing free hot chocolate and donuts. Canadian Lakes Fishing Club members will give instruction and assistance in catching fish. In past years, kids have caught hundreds of bluegills and perch, plus several pike. Location is on the Main Lake, just south of Buchanan, off West Royal, with parking alongside the Pickleball Courts. There will also be a free raffle for the kids with over a dozen great prizes at 10:30 a.m. Adults are welcome to learn the techniques. Questions, call Dale Doepker at 231-972-8663.

Donate Surplus Fishing Tackle

IF YOU HAVE ANY surplus usable fishing rods or reels, please consider donating them to the Canadian Lakes Fishing Club. Mark Ouderkirk (616-454-9868) reconditions them as needed and they are donated to worthy causes. The club also purchases new reels as needed, to put on the used rods.

Fishing Club Meetings

MEETINGS ARE HELD on the second Wednesday of each month from April to October, 7:00 p.m., at the Alpine Haus. The 2022 officers are continuing for 2023. Everyone interested in fishing or just helping kids get involved in fishing is invited to attend.

Some Ice Fishing Reminders

• Tipups must have the owners name and address affixed and be under immediate control.

• Pike which are 24” and over are requested to be released live by the CL Fishing Club.

• Ice Shanties which are unmanned or left overnight must have the owner’s name and address on it in at least 2” high letters.

• Shanties on our lakes must be removed by midnight of March 15.

Safety on our Frozen Lakes

BELOW ARE some common safety tips, before venturing out onto any frozen lake or pond:

1. Check ice thickness with a spud or auger. Snow or slush can hide thin areas.

2. Do not go out alone. Also, carry a rope and ice spikes.

3. Take a cell phone to call 911 for help for yourself or others.

4. To help someone, do not go near the hole, but use a rope or long object to help them.

5. If you make a large hole for ice fishing, insert a tree branch to mark it before leaving.