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Crystal Lake's Ice Fishing Derby Will Help Military

December 28, 2009 - GRAY -- What started as a benefit to support the military is turning into a mini derby festival just like the one next door.

The hugely popular Sebago WinterFest that draws several thousand ice fishermen and winter fans to Sebago Lake at the end of February is not going to get competition from the new derby at little Crystal Lake in Gray, but it may get help.

Consider the Crystal Lake derby, which is raising money for the armed forces, a "feeder program" for the state's largest ice fishing bonanza.

The Crystal Lake derby's prize pool is minimal, but its volunteer effort to recruit and teach ice fishing will be mighty as it raises money for the United Services Organizations.

"We have ice fishing instruction that is open to the general public. Their sole job is to teach people who don't know how to ice fish and teach kids," said event director Todd Bagetis, an officer in the U.S. Coast Guard.

The Sebago derby draws the best ice fishermen from around Maine to Sebago Lake and to the statewide derby in March to vie for free trucks and thousands in prizes.

The Crystal Lake derby entries will be capped at 1,000, for a competition on a lake that comprises less than 200 acres.

However, many of Maine's biggest outdoor outfitters will be on hand with volunteers to teach ice fishing. And the entry fees are minimal, the cost of food low, and the activities free to draw families to this outdoor celebration.

Kittery Trading Post will have at least two ice fishing instructors; Cabela's is sending one, and so is L.L. Bean, Bagetis said. Lots of gear will be donated for lessons in Nordic skiing and snowshoeing.

"We want to support the USO and offer citizens another opportunity to learn outdoor winter sports," Bagetis said.

As with many derbies around the state, the fishing will serve to cull the tiny lake of non-native fish.

The lake's prized rainbow and brown trout in the lake must be released. The derby prizes – from $50 to $400 – will be for the bass, perch, eels, pickerel, and stocked brook trout caught.

It also will help to fight a local battle, as well.

Crystal Lake is in the unique position of being one of the few lakes in the Sebago region without milfoil – and a surplus of funds to fight the invasive plant.

"We created a fund just in case we get it. All the lakes around us have it, which is why we're worried," Bagetis said.

It is raising money for the fund by delivering food to fishermen while they fish. Food donated by Hannaford on donated snowmobiles will make this outback catering service happen.

There will be free lures given to the first 150 youth and veteran fishermen, and free raffles. For those coming to watch or learn a new winter sport, there will be more than $3,000 in door prizes.

Bagetis said during the next month more events will be added to turn the derby into a free outdoor classroom as well as a fundraiser.

"It's (one of the) cheapest derbies in the state. There is a reason for that. We want to attract families," Bagetis said. "Maybe we're reaching for a lot the first year. Some people go to these derbies and don't like to fish. We'll make this into a winter event that includes other activities."

CRYSTAL LAKE DERBY
WHAT: Ice fishing derby, fundraiser and outdoor clinic

WHEN: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 30

GETTING THERE: Take Interstate 95 to the Gray exit and take Route 26 north to North Raymond Road. Turn left and look for Camp Gregory, 0.8 miles on the right.

COST: Tickets are $10 per person; $5 for military veterans and active and reserve officers.

TICKETS: Purchase at the Dry Mills Store, Route 26, Gray, or Tailfeathers Upland Store, Route 302, Raymond

LEARN MORE: www.crystallakefishingderby. webs.com

DEIRDRE FLEMING, Portland Press Herald, 12/27/09


Lakes: Crystal Lake
Regions: Sebago


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