C Bay ice fishing derby season upon us

CONSTANCE/BUCKHAM’S BAY – The official pastime of Constance Bay is about to get competitive.

Every winter, the Constance and Buckham’s bays are host to a number of ice fishing derbies. Currently, West Carleton Online is aware of four ice fishing derbies set for the Ottawa River in the Constance Bay area.

The season kicks off with the third annual Northern Offroad Girls Charity Ice Fishing Derby on Saturday, Feb. 17.

Northern Off Road Girls founder, Kinburn’s Paige Munroe, launched the initiative in 2020.

“Originally the intent of being more of a power sports company for females, but when looking further at it, I came to the realization there was a lack of representation of women in all of the outdoors, whether its hunting, fishing, hiking, camping,” Munroe told West Carleton Online in 2022. “All of these recreational sports you don’t see a lot of women advertised in it. So, that’s kind of where the idea started. Off road can mean all these things. It means you’re outdoors; you’re going off the beaten path; and paving your own way. I’ve always been very passionate about being outside in nature, so that’s where that line of thinking came from.”

In the tournament’s first two years, it has raised more than $3,500 for charity.

“Lines drop 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.,” organizers said. “The Northern Off Road Girls Foundation will be support Trips for Kids Ottawa this year.”

Access the river at Baillie Avenue for registration tent. Day of Registration is cash only. Opens at 8 a.m

Pre-registration via online is open until Feb. 8.

• Adults $20
• Kids $10

Please make sure to have your own bait (we have local contacts for you if you need). Fishing for the heaviest pike must be alive when brought to the registration tent for weighing.

“We have a Kids Fun Zone this year thanks to our major sponsor Thunderbird Sports Centre, Kanata,” organizers said. “So, bring the whole family for an exciting day on the ice. We will have a raffle basket this year and some snacks available upon donation.”

For more information, you can follow the event’s Facebook page here.

Constance Bay Kids Fishing Derby

On Sunday, Feb. 18, the annual Constance Bay Kids Fishing Derby takes place on Buckham’s Bay. We don’t have much information on this year’s event (yet), but we did attend last year’s derby.

The tournament is hosted by Shadine and Kevin Robinson of Bayview Bait and Tackle host the Family Day Sunday event. The derby is a great introduction to ice fishing with help from the team including drilling holes and providing bait. Last year was the tournament’s return from COVID.

“After a couple of years, and COVID, we’re back at it,” Shadine told West Carleton Online from the bonfire last year. “Postponed again this year, two weeks, because of the ice conditions, but this year we’re able to do it. We got the fire going, we got hot chocolate with marshmallows brought in by the local fire department. We got the hay bales brought in by John Smith. We got Lex bringing out the minnows, and the kids ripping around on the snowmobiles, and four wheelers and toboggans. The snow just hasn’t stopped, and the kids love it. It’s a fun day.”

The Henderson Hook-Up

The ninth annual Henderson Hook-Up Ice Fishing Derby is taking place on Saturday, Feb. 24, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Constance Bay.

“Derby open to all,” organizer Susan Efler released in a statement. “Register and fish in Constance Bay.”

Entry is $20 per person.

“Half of entry fee collected for heaviest walleye and half for heaviest pike,” Efler said.

There is a $10 50/50 and Prize Draw available as well.

The Henderson Hook-up is hosted by Trevor Henderson and you can contact him at 613-294-0094 or visit their Facebook event page here.

Mike and Peter’s Fishing Derby

Mike and Peter’s 17 Annual Fishing Derby is set for Constance Bay Sunday, March 3 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. traditionally the largest derby held on the bay attracting hundreds of participant.

Registration is $20 per person.

“Last year $8,860 cash was awarded for the top three pike, based on 443 registered people,” Mike Fines released in a statement.

$5,000 for first, $2,500 for second and $1,360 for third.

“Only pike will be weighed for the tournament, due to slot size on pickerel,” Fines said. “Registrants are responsible for drilling your own holes. Augers are not supplied. Stay sharp and plan ahead.”

Preregistration can be done on Saturday, March 2 at the tournament office on the ice. Preregistration can also be done via eTransfer to Mike Fines (finesmike17@gmail.com). Please call 613-290-9936 to confirm receipt.

“This is a cash only derby,” Fines said. “No ATM is on site, nor can debit, credit, or eTransfer be accepted for registration, or 50/50 tickets (also used for prizes) on the day of the derby.”

The 50/50 last year totalled $12,680 the winner taking home $6,340.

“We have more than $6,500 in prizes for our 50/50 table already this year,” Fines said. “Tickets will be available to purchase all day on the ice and drawn at 3 p.m. the day of the derby.

This Facebook page will be updated accordingly with ice conditions leading up to the derby, and leader board the day of.

For any additional information, or if you would like to sponsor or donate a prize call Mike Fines at 613-290-9936.

Know of an ice fishing derby in West Carleton we didn’t mention here, let us know about it at westcarletononline@gmail.com.