C Bay kids fishing derby fun Feb. 13

BUCKHAM’S BAY – Spend Family Day Sunday (Feb. 15) showing the kids how fun it is to stand on a frozen river in the freezing cold with a line in a hole hoping a fish bites it.

In reality, the Constance Bay Kids Ice Fishing Derby, scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. is a very popular event attracting hundreds of kids to the Ottawa River in Buckham’s Bay for a day of fun in the s now.

This year will be the 20th year for the derby that helps introduce youth to the fun and camaraderie of ice fishing, organized and hosted by Shadine and Kevin Robinson of Bayview Bait and Tackle. The event is held during Family Free Fishing Weekend so you don’t need a licence to participate.

Last year’s event the bay was covered with a big dump of snow – 63 centimetres fell over the Family Day long weekend and more than 100 kids registered for the event.

“It’s great,” Shadine told West Carleton Online last year. “Another 30 cm I think we’re expected to get today, 99 people is what we have registered with another few on the way. I think it’s going to be a fun day. Lots of prizes, lots of kids, everyone’s having fun and digging their way out. I’m happy to see everyone out here today, and it looks like everyone’s having fun in the snow regardless of the amounts we’re getting.”

It was a couple of women leading the way at last year’s catch and release tournament with Olivia Groulx catching the biggest fish, and Makenzie Corbett catching the second biggest. 

Fishing runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and children must be registered by noon to be a part of the competition. The cost is $2 per child. Registration will be on Buckham’s Bay across from the boat launch which can be found on Bayview Drive across from Ritchie Avenue. Catch a fish or don’t, everyone gets a prize.

For more information, contact Shadine at 613-769-7665.