The fish were biting over the weekend at a fishing derby on Northshore Fishing Lake.

The 2019 FishOn Fish Derby, put on by the Northshore Revitalization Committee, took place on Saturday, February 16th and was met with plenty of fishermen hauling in a catch.  

"It was fantastic, the weather kind of cooperated with us. We had around 340 fishermen and everybody had fish on thier lines, all day long. said Carmen Sowa, Chair of the FishOn Fish Derby.

Changes to the event for 2019 included allowing on ice parking, electronics, pop-up shelters/tents, and a new location that lead to more fish being caught.

"The new changes made everybody super excited for next year."

In the end, 58 fish were caught and approximately $35,000 in prizes were given away First place winner Francis Kayseas of Fishing Lake won the event with a fish weighing 5 pounds, 10.8 ounces. Kayseas had a choice between a Polaris Ranger 500 from Edfield Motors in Foam Lake or $10,000. In second place was Joan Campeau who caught a fish weighing 5 lbs. 6 oz. She had a choice between $3000 and a Kobota 48” Zero Turn lawnmower donated by Wheatbelts sales in Wadena. Both winners chose the cash payment.

90 additional prizes were awarded for more fish that were caught, along with raffle prizes, and a 50/50.

The committee is taking some time off but talks about next year have already started. This was the third year the FishOn Fish Derby took place.

Second place winner Joan Campeau (left) presented by Carmen Sowa, FishOn Fish Derby Chair