Community comes together for a great day of ice fishing
BINBROOK, Ont. (February 6, 2019) – The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s (NPCA) Binbrook Conservation Area was pleased to host hundreds of local families, community partners, and avid anglers at the annual Binbrook Hard Water Crappie Derby this past Saturday.
“We had a few warm weeks leading up to the event but were pleasantly surprised that a wave of very cold temperatures allowed us to continue the tradition of this event,” said Mike Boyko, Superintendent at Binbrook Conservation Area. “We saw a great mix of community partners, professional anglers, community groups, young families, and children, who all came out to enjoy this winter sport.”
This year’s event featured two key partners whose support made the Derby an even greater success.Kids Out Fishing (KOF); a volunteer ran, not-for-profit organization with a mission to teach the sport of ice fishing to youth, aspiring anglers, or families who had never fished before, was on site offering short seminars and fishing clinics.
A BBQ lunch was provided by the Glanbrook Conservation Committee (GCC), with all proceeds benefitting the organization. “We were pleased to provide volunteer assistance in weighing fish, as well as running the food concession stand, where more than $250 dollars were raised towards future conservation efforts,” added Brett Harrington, GCC Chairman. From the maintenance of Binbrook’s hiking trails, to a large aquatic planting program, and an extensive tree planting initiative, GCC’s projects have played a major role in the conservation of the area.
Children and adults alike enjoyed the day, despite below freezing temperatures. With a lineup of impressive prizes, guests were eager to finalize the event with a short award ceremony to celebrate those who were successful in reeling in the heaviest crappies.
Giant FM Radio Personality, Chuck Lafleur, announced the following winners:
- 1st Adult: Trevor Willis from Stoney Creek
- 2nd Adult: Larry Marsh from Stoney Creek
- 3rd Adult: Paul Zdichavsky from Welland
- 1st Youth: Austin Hartgrove
- 2nd Youth: Noah Howarth
- 3rd Youth: Brooklyn Gorr
“I, along with the entire staff at NPCA, want to congratulate this year’s winners for braving the cold and coming out and participating in this annual event,” said NPCA Interim CAO David Barrick. “If you missed it this year, I encourage you to save the date for 2020.”
For more information on Binbrook Conservation Area, visit www.npca.ca/parks/binbrook.
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