Get out on the ice. This is Maine’s Free Fishing Weekend
By Pete Warner, Bangor Daily News Staff
Come on. You know you’ve always wanted to try it.
This is your big chance to get out on hard water for some ice fishing.
Don’t worry, you won’t even need a license on Saturday and Sunday as the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife holds its annual Free Fishing Weekend.
Anyone, except those whose license has been suspended or revoked, is invited to join in the fun on any of the state’s lakes and ponds. All regular fishing laws are in effect.
There’s nothing quite like hearing someone yell “Flag!” after an ice fishing tip-up has been tripped by a fish swimming under the ice. The excitement continues as anglers put the trap aside, set the hook and begin pulling the fish toward the surface.
The aim of the Free Fishing Weekend initiative is simple. The state wants to get more people interested in the sport so they can enjoy the fun with family members and friends — and maybe make some new friends along the way.
DIF&W offers up lots of sound advice on its website for first-time ice anglers, or those who haven’t been on the ice for a long time. Here are a few important tips.
The temperatures have fluctuated wildly recently, which means the condition of the ice and the snow covering it is going to be similarly variable. It is always a good idea to check with someone who lives near a lake or pond, or even a local store or restaurant, to make sure ice conditions are safe.
Judging from the forecast, ice anglers this weekend likely can expect snow, lots of slush and/or water on top of the ice. That can sometimes make for difficult walking and means you should wear rubber boots or other waterproof footwear.
Snowshoes, if you have a pair, also can make it much easier to negotiate wet, slushy snow.
Of course, it’s a good idea to ask around about ice conditions or go take a peek if you live nearby, to see what you’ll encounter.
Dress warm, but in layers to adjust to the weather. And if you’re lacking experience or equipment, hit up a friend or acquaintance to provide guidance and maybe some gear.
With a high likelihood of getting wet, it’s a good idea to take along extra gloves or mittens and maybe even a change of clothes, especially for children.
Speaking of ice fishing opportunities, a Maine winter tradition continues in Piscataquis County this weekend with the 60th Schoodic Lake Ice Fishing Derby.
Schoodic is the focal point of the event, which also includes fish caught in Ebeemee, Seboeis and Boyd lakes. The pool of prizes is valued at more than $18,000 and includes the grand prize of a 2022 Sportsman 570 EPS all-terrain vehicle.
There are numerous cash payouts totaling $3,800 for several species of fish. The top prize for the largest togue, salmon or trout is $400, with $200 earmarked for the runner-up and $100 for the third-place entry.
In the category that includes cusk, perch, pickerel and bass, the winner takes home $200 and second place is worth $100.
The bonus prize for the largest fish overall, regardless of species, is a power ice auger.
The $10 ticket includes the derby entry fee and chances in the random drawings.
Kids ages 5-15 have a separate prize pool that includes the first prize of a resident lifetime fishing license, second prize of a $250 account at Maine Highlands Federal Credit Union and third prize of a $100 gift card from Maine Savings FCU.
Proceeds from the longstanding derby benefit the Milo Fire Department.