The Meredith Rotary Club has announced the date for the 40th annual Great Rotary Ice Fishing Derby, to be held the weekend of Feb. 9 to 10.
“The Derby brings anglers and families from as far away as Texas and California to enjoy the beauty of New Hampshire and also be in the running for over $50,000 in cash prizes,” according to Dave Reid, derby chairman for 2019.
Derby tickets are $40 each and are required for everyone who enters a fish for consideration. The price of the Derby ticket also includes a $10 dining certificate from T-BONES and Cactus Jack’s in Laconia. Prizes for the top winning fish are $15,000, $5,000 and $3,000. There are also two $5,000 cash drawings during the weekend as well as $100 cash drawings every 15 minutes beginning at noon on the Saturday of the event and lasting until 4pm on Sunday. You do not need to fish – or enter a fish – to win these cash drawings – simply purchase a Derby ticket.
“Additionally, on Feb. 9, 2019, in conjunction with the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, The Meredith Rotary Ice Fishing Derby will host the “Let’s Go Fishing” program,” according to Dave Reid. “This is a free hands-on clinic for kids and their parents on the basics of ice fishing that has been developed and will be presented by the Fish and Game Department. The clinic is geared toward kids but is open to anyone; those 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult. All equipment will be provided – you do not need to have a fishing license to participate,” Reid stated.
Derby tickets can be purchased online at meredithrotary.com, and starting in December, Derby tickets will be available at a variety of bait and tackle shops in New Hampshire.