By Thomas Smith

In the far off land of Dwight, our neighbours to the west of Algonquin Highlands, the Winterbottoms are hard at work preparing for the 49th Annual Oxtongue Pike Derby.

Originally started by the Algonquin Snowmobile Club in the 1970s, the ice fishing derby was originally a general ice fishing event.

This year marks the second year for Sara and Keith Winterbottom, of Winterbottom Tattoo Company, organizing the annual fishing derby.

“It was pretty much going to be cancelled indefinitely,” said Keith. “Last year, Sara broke the records for the most money raised, most people fishing, the most everything.”

With Sara taking the lead on the pike derby, she was given the records of past participants and winning fishes.

The Winterbottoms have been fishing in the annual derby for years. In the past, both Sara and her daughter River have won prizes in the competition.

As a family affair, River will be at the event on a sled selling raffle tickets.

Last year, with around 180 participants, it was the biggest turnout to the derby on record.

“Back in the day, there used to be so many winter carnivals and winter events,” said Sara. “Now, nobody is doing anything. Everything is cancelled.”

After the ice fishing derby became a family tradition, Sara could not see the event cease to exist. As an avid fisher and outdoorswoman, she has been fishing her whole life. More so after she married Keith, the duo shared their outdoors interests with their daughter, taking her fishing throughout the entire year and going camping.

“I love getting her outside, being adventurous and getting her off the phone,” said Sara. “That was a big thing for us with her growing up. Getting outside and being able to do that, she is lucky growing up in this area. Then, she can pass it on to her family too.”

With Keith’s interest in sledding and showing off his collection, the pike fishing derby was also host to a Sled Show N’ Shine event.

“We try to get as many people to bring sleds as we can,” said Keith. Visitors to the event can vote for their favourite sleds. Last year, around a dozen sleds came out for the Show N’ Shine. With last year’s presence, Keith hopes to increase the sled turnout for the event. There are no restrictions for entries and can include vintage, new, and classic sleds.

The first place prize is a gift pack from MBRP, which includes a $400 gift card for parts.

“The main stage setup is right on the sled trail, so it is easy to get there,” she said.

There will be donuts, and barbecue available for purchase and music to entertain visitors. Parking is graciously provided by the Blue Spruce Resort. The stage for the event is donated by the Deck and Dock Company. The derby’s weighing station and main activities will be taking place on Feb. 21 at 1215 Oxtongue Lake Road in Algonquin Highlands. The derby starts at 8 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m.

“People are coming to the derby as far as Kingston,” said Keith.

Conditions for Oxtongue Lake were rough last year. With slushy ice on the surface, Keith sled across the lake to make clear and accessible trails. With this year’s cold, Sara says that conditions are looking highly favourable for the derby.

One of Sara’s goals for the derby was setting up a social media presence for the derby. With over 300 followers for the Facebook page, the Winterbottoms have seen a growth in attendance with no plans for slowing down their momentum.

Wyatt Black, who appeared in season 10 of the History Channel’s Alone television show will be the judge for the event. Recently, Black has published his book Bleeped and Blurred and will be selling copies of it at the event as well as signings.

As a competition with cash and prizes, registering for the event and a valid fishing license is needed to participate. The registration fee for adults will be $20 and $10 for those aged 12 and under. Participants will be given a wristband that must be on display during the event.

Keith will have a metal detector onsite to test fish for any tamperings. No cheating of any sort will be tolerated. Only pikes that are caught between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. will be weighed for the event. All garbage that is brought to the lake needs to be taken away with you.

“We are trying to reduce the number of pikes that are in the lake,” said Keith. “They are wiping out all the lake trout so we are using this as a conservation method.”

Oxtongue Lake is situated along the Oxtongue River. As one of the first lakes in the area to freeze, contestants can fish anywhere on the lake end-to-end. Fishers may walk along the lake, use their sled, or other means for transport. You can only have one line in the water at a time, as enforced by the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Participants need to bring their own gear. All fishing methods are accepted. If you are using live bait, please remember to bring your receipt if you have purchased it from a different fishing zone.

Participants can put their pike back in the water if they choose. However, the organizers would like to make it clear that no animal is wasted during the derby. With volunteers that can help you clean the pike, make sure to bring freezer bags and boxes for pike meat.

This year, the pike derby has 55 sponsors supporting the event. There will be prizes for adults from first to fourth place with the biggest fish and from first to third place for youth aged 12 and under. Random giveaways will also take place for derby participants and there will be something there for everybody.

Sara says that the rush she feels when snowmobiling and the ability to see the natural scenery.

“It is just a fun filled day of excitement,” said Sara. Spectators are welcome to come, enjoy food, and have fun in the event.

Last year’s first place winner was Kristy Lupton whose pike weighed in at 10.95 pounds.

“It was nice to see a lady win it all,” said Sara with a laugh.

Funds raised from the event goes directly back into the Algonquin Snowmobile Club. The club works diligently throughout the winter maintaining and connecting snowmobilers navigating through Dwight, Oxtongue Lake, and Hillside.