Ice fishing huge catch for families

By Adam Brazeau
CORNWALL, Ontario – As the 7th Annual Lost Villages Ice Fishing Fun Tournament draws closer, families visiting Hoople’s Creek are getting hooked on the old sport.

For a few years, Steve Thibault, of Vernon, Ontario, south of Ottawa, has travelled to Ingleside for a quiet and rewarding spot to fish during winter. This season he took his family with him to share the experience.

“It’s nice to get out and enjoy the winter,” said Thibault.

The fish weren’t biting during their Sunday visit, but he recalled an impressive haul of 60 perch the year prior.

Thibault’s son, Scott, brought along his three-and-a-half-year-old twins, Blake and Cole, for their first ice fishing experience, along with his fiancée , Tanya Demerchant. The two boys followed dad’s advice carefully as they dipped their lines into the tiny holes of ice water.

“We’re here today for the kids more than anything, so they could try it out themselves,” said Scott.

His mom, Maureen, enjoyed the temperature options available thanks to their heated ice fishing hut. Meanwhile, Jordy, the family dog, kept a close watch on his beloved owners.

Kent McDougall, and his seven-year-old son, Griffin, we’re also looking to reel in a big catch with some friends from Martintown.

“They have a hut with a little wood stove inside, it’s just like being home, except there’s holes in the floor, and lines dangling down. What else do you need?” he asked.

 

Their excitement for the Lost Villages Ice Fishing Fun Tournament scheduled on Saturday, Feb. 22, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., was also a driving factor.

The tournament has become a signature event in South Stormont. To register, pick up a form at The Boathouse Baitshop, Collette’s Ice Hut Rentals, and the Long Sault Marina.

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