Nadine Armstrong

The Hants Journal/NovaNewsNow.com

This year’s annual “Catch the Rainbow” ice fishing derby held went off without a hitch Saturday. The event hosted by the Hants West Wildlife Association (HWWA) was initially delayed by two weeks because of mild weather.

But participants couldn't have asked for better day at Meadow Pond. Temperatures may have been on the chilly end of the spectrum, but the sun was shining, the ice was rock solid and there were fish to be caught -- lots of them.

HWWA president Mike O’Brien said it was the best turnout they’ve had yet, with 110 entries. “This was actually the largest turnout for this kind of event in Nova Scotia,” he said. “It took a lot of work, but our sponsors really pulled through to bring in some good prizes.”

Everyone walked away a winner that day with first prize awarded to Justine Tucker in the adult division and Devon Graham in the junior for the largest rainbow trout caught.

Although participants hailed from as far away as Cape Breton and Lunenburg, the derby was about more than who could catch the big one. “It’s another way to get people outdoors and active during the winter,” O'Brien said. “We’ve certainly succeeded in that respect.” Proceeds from the event will go towards helping boys and girls through out Hants learn to cast their own line. This year, HWWA will help four schools in West Hants participate in the provincial Department of Inland Fisheries “Learn to Fish” program.