SOUTHWICK – Save North Pond supporters have found a way for people to enjoy their time on Congamond Lake during the winter. The supporters, along with members of the Southwick Rotary Club, are hosting an ice fishing derby on North Pond.
Ice fishing tournaments have been held at Congamond Lake in the past. (Photo from Dennis Clark)
The derby will take place on Saturday Feb. 18 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and has a $20 entry fee for those who are interested in participating. The purpose of the event is to be another fundraiser towards helping preserve North Pond and all proceeds will go to SaveNorthPond.org.
“We’ll be happy to accept any donations,” said Dennis Clark, a North Pond supporter.
Clark wants spread the word so everyone will have the chance to have a fun-filled day on North Pond while supporting a good cause.
“That’s what we’re looking for, as many people in the community,” said Clark.
Rotary Club member Bill Alaimo is an ice fisherman and will be handling the ice fishing derby. According to Alaimo, there will be a contest to see who catches the heaviest fish. But, there will be three winners, one in the 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. time block, another from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., and the last one at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Alaimo says there will be a variety of fish for people to catch. Those fish include anything from bass, pickerel, rainbow trout and brown trout.
Alaimo is hoping to have a good crowd at the event. “I’m hoping to see 50 to 100 people,” he said. “That would be nice.”
After fishing has concluded, the festivities move indoors to the Cove Banquet and Tavern where there will be a 50/50 raffle and all of the prizes from the derby will be handed out.
If there are any questions about the North Pond ice fishing derby, contact Alaimo at 413-563-3767.
