A total of 63 children participated in the Kids Ice Fishing Contest held Saturday, Feb. 7, on Lake Iola.
Of the 20 fish registered, the largest was a 31 1/4 inch northern pike, caught by Gunner Grenlie, of Scandinavia.
Held in conjunction with the 2015 Iola Winter Carnival, the contest for children ages 16 and younger was sponsored by the Lake Iola Lake District and the Iola Lions Club.
“The Lake Iola ice fishing contest for kids resumed after a three-year break,” said John Bertelson Jr., of the lake association. “A good time was had by all, with some of the best weather one could expect for ice fishing.”
In all, there were 10 northern pike, five bluegill, four crappie and one large-mouth bass caught during the contest. Most of the fish were released back into the lake.
To sponsor the contest, the lake district used funds from its Saturday brat frys held at Iola Sentry. Many area businesses and organizations also provided support for the contest.
Appreciation was extended to Jerry Harvancik for organizing the event.
Results
Grand prize for largest fish – Gunner Grenlie, 31 1/4-inch northern pike.
Northern: 2nd prize – Wyatt Wolberg, 27 1/2 inches; 3rd prize – Ethan Gay, 21 inches, and McKenna Jorgensen, 21 inches.
Bass: 1st – Jadon Seering, 11 1/8 inches.
Panfish/crappie: 1st – Daren Simonis, 13 ¼-inches; 2nd – Dominik Mansavage, 12 1/2-inches; 3rd – Weston Knorr, 12 3/8-inches.