Ice fishing veterans and amateurs braved the cold to take part in the annual Oziles’ Ice Fishing Derby Saturday at Petrie Island.
The event takes place on the frozen Ottawa River, where participants drilled holes and baited fishing rods, waiting for the fish to bite.
“Just being outside in the fresh air, and maybe catching a fish makes it fun,” said Al Macintyre, also known as “Big Al”, President of the Petrie Island Ice Fishermen’s Association President.
The event is organized by the Oziles’ Marina, owned by Yves Grandmaitre.
“It's a family outing, we have the biggest village in Eastern Ontario, we have about 115-120 ice huts out there,” he said. “There's a curling rink out there, people will come with their ATVs, skidoos, their families, there's probably 20 pots of chili warming up out there,” he added.
If you catch a fish at the derby, your name is entered into a draw to win prizes.
But ice fishing enthusiasts say it’s as much about having fun while waiting for the fish to bite, as it is about actually catching a fish.
Many of the ice huts are privately owned and equipped for cooking and spending the night, while other huts are rented.
This year’s derby is raising money for CHEO, and for Blue Fish Canada, an organization that promotes sustainable fishing.
