Kiwanis’ 31st Year on the Ice of Robinson Pond

February 22, 2019

 

by Len Lathrop

The ice was cluttered with orange flags as 46 kids and 129 adults watched in excitement when there was even a wiggle of the marker.

Starting at 7 a.m., these hearty souls drilled into the ice at the 31st Annual Ice Fishing Tournament on Feb. 17; this year the ice on the pond was between 9 and 11 inches thick. Some of the regulars had pop-up shacks, but there were no wooden buildings with floors this year, maybe a result of the fluctuating weather. With very safe ice conditions for people and ATVs, the Kiwanis restricted cars and trucks from the ice; yet several ATVs on hand provided all the amenities of a car.

Kids, defined as 14 years and under, bought a button for $5 and adults, well, let’s clarity that applied to anyone over 15 years, paid $10. The young anglers were awarded trophies while the adults vied for cash prizes.

Several Kiwanis members remarked about how much they enjoy seeing grandparents, parents, and children out on the ice fishing together. Not only did the community support the derby by coming out to fish, local businesses helped behind the scenes, according to Kiwanis Club President Jim Woolsey. Granite State Rod and Reel, Hudson True Value, and Bass Pro Shops donated gift cards for the raffle and Dick’s Sporting Goods in Nashua kicked in discounts on purchased raffle prizes. Kiwanis also received support for concessions by way of a gift card from Hannaford and cooking utensils from T-Bones.

A very important note: all the fish are kept in buckets of water until weighed and measured and then are returned to the pond to swim under the ice again. It appears that no fish goes home for supper.

There were refreshments for the anglers, and the Key Club hosted a raffle.