This winter's inconsistent weather has taken away one of my favorite activities--cross-country skiing and/or walking with the dogs on Kezar Lake. Although I see a few ice shacks on Kezar, there are far fewer than in other years. I know that there are charts available to let you know how much weight a certain thickness of ice can sustain, but my measuring stick has always been an extended period of freezing temperatures and a large number of fisherman and snowmobilers on the ice. So far this winter, I haven't seen that.
It is clear that some people are not as concerned as I am. There are shacks on Kezar and other lakes in the area. And there are several big Ice Fishing Tournaments taking place over the next couple of weekends. Today and tomorrow is the Lovell Lions Club's Third Annual Ice Fishing Derby. There is a $10 Entry Fee and cash prizes for the heaviest Togue, Bass and Pickerel as well other raffles and other awards. Next Saturday is the annual John McKeen Day Kids Fishing Derby on Heald Pond in Lovell from 10 am to noon. This is an event for local kids with plenty of awards, free hot dogs and drinks and a great time to see who lands the biggest fish. And on March 3 & 4 on Kezar Lake is the 2nd Annual Fryeburg Rec Fishing Derby. This two-day contest has plenty of cash awards and some exceptional raffle prizes for both adults and children. Hopefully we will get a nice cold snap to keep everything safe for the fisherman. Send me an e-mail if you would like more information on any of these contests.
And if you are going fishing, you are going to need something to catch the fish with. Jeff Roberts opened a great little bait shop conveniently located on Route 5 in Center Lovell. Jeff opens early and always has an ample supply of shiners, especially for the current and upcoming tournaments. This is Jeff's first season and he is filling a void as there has not been a bait shop in town for several years. So be sure to stop in and say hi to Jeff and support his efforts. Jeff's Bait Shop is on Route 5, just north of the Center Lovell Fire Department.