The recent blast of winter weather comes as good news for Bluewater Anglers, as the group plans to hold its first club event of 2025 and its first traditional ice fishing derby since 2018.
The derby will be held on Saturday, beginning at 6 a.m.
Director Darryl De Keyser said they're excited to hold the event again. Warm temperatures and COVID-19 restrictions previously forced the club to either cancel the derby or hold it virtually.
De Keyser said it's tough to gauge how many people will participate this year since most will likely buy tickets on Friday afternoon.
"There's been a good response online," he said. "We've organized it on a free fishing weekend where you don't need a licence to participate."
Canadian residents can fish for free four times per year in Ontario: Family Day weekend, Mother's Day weekend in May, Father's Day weekend in June, and Family Fishing Week from June 28 until July 6.
De Keyser said the goal is to encourage residents to try ice fishing if they haven't before but those familiar with the sport are welcome as well.
He said they plan to have the fishing area marked off with some holes drilled in time for Saturday morning.
The weigh-in will be at 11 a.m. at the Sarnia Bay Marina boat launch.
Tickets will be available to purchase for $5 per participant at The Outdoorsman until 4:30 p.m. on Friday and at the marina on Saturday morning, beginning at 7:30 a.m.
"Ninety per cent of the fees will go back into the prizes and 10 per cent will go toward the hatchery," De Keyser said. "The hatchery is completely volunteer run, completely depends on events and grants throughout the year to help operate the hatchery itself and also, roll back into children's events that we have, including the open house coming up in March."
As stated on the event page, all fish entered must be caught in Sarnia or Point Edward.
De Keyser said Tim Hortons will provide timbits and hot chocolate at the event.