RUSSELL – Despite the recent unseasonably warm weather, Russell First is moving ahead with plans for hosting the 4th Annual “Holey Moses! Ice Fishing Derby”. The venue once again is Russell Pond off General Knox Road in Russell with all proceeds being donated to the Horace A. Moses Boy Scout Camp located on the pond.
The event is scheduled for Saturday February 20s starting at 6 a.m. and running until 2 p.m., conditions permitting. Registration is $15 with kids under 14 free when accompanied by a registered adult. All participants are required to sign a waiver and fishing will be at your own risk.
Entry fee includes eligibility for largest fish cash awards and door prize drawings. All participants will receive a meal ticket good for a hot dog and chips. Coffee and hot chocolate will also be available at no charge.
All fish must be checked by 2 p.m. with cash awards being presented at 2:15 p.m. for the largest fish measured head to tailin four categories; trout, perch, pickerel, and bass. All current state fishing regulations apply with licenses required for those 14 years of age and over.
Fish must be alive when checked, with release being encouraged through a bonus point system.
Door prizes will be drawn at random following the awards for largest fish, winners must be present to win.
Current ice conditions ate of this release were spotty, with reports of very thin ice in some areas around shore lines and springs. In the event of “no ice” the derby will be cancelled with no make up date planned. Weather forecasts for the coming weeks call for daytime temperatures below freezing and night time temps dipping at r below zero.
Russell First is a volunteer based non-proft organization providing financial assistance to individuals and groups in the Russell area through fundraising activities and public donations.
For more information on sponsorship, donating a door prize, or update on ice conditions, call Russell First Co-Chairperson Don Blair at 774-696-5614 or email at [email protected].
