Organizers of this year's DerbyFest are gearing up to make the event fun for all. The Derby is taking place on Sebago Lake, and if you want to be a part of it, plan on targeting tougue (Lake Trout) and registering before you fish. The cost of entering is $30 for individuals. Tom Noonan is the primary organizer of the derby.

When I stopped by Jordon Bay yesterday, Toby Pennels was getting ready to set up a drag strip for snowmobiles. Toby also mentioned that promoters of the Polar Dip were getting ready at Point Sebago Resort. I didn't have time to stop in, but there is going to be a number of activities surrounding Point Sebago Resort which is the center for WinterFest activities There will be fun for all ages. admission to the Point Sebago activities are $5.00 for adults

Dave Garcia at Naples Bait & Tackle is ready to gear you up to fish the event. He is located on Rt 35 just of of Rt. 302. When I stopped by on Saturday he had ice augers, fish shanties, poles, gear and more in stock and hopes on have the perfect size suckers to help you catch the prize fish. You can reach Dave at (207) 693-3638. He has good information and gear.

The Cutting's are also ready to take care of your fishing needs at Jordan's Store. Jordan's Store is located on RT. 114 in the village of Sebago on the western side on the lake. They have rods, gear and nice mounts located around the store. They also have good food.

I had the Poor Boy, and Jim Delage, my fishing partner, had the meatball sub. I can guarantee you won't leave Jordan's Store feeling hungry. If you are looking for fishing information ask for Greg, he's willing to share information about his fishing adventures. Jordan's Store can be reached at (207) 787-3866.

All events subject to change without notice.

Be safe and have fun at this truly Maine event!

In case you haven’t heard, people are gearing up for this year’s DerbyFest which is the largest fishing derby in the state of Maine. The festival's events will be at Point Sebago Resort. There will be hot air balloon ride’s, snow sculptures, ice shack competitions and more. It’s a festival that all Mainer’s can enjoy.

Here’s a few things you should know. This year’s event will be February 22nd through the 24th. Festivities kick off with a free kid’s fishing Derby that is taking place on Friday the 22nd.

The kid’s derby takes place on Thomas Pond and is centered around Alyssa’s Motel off of route 302. Other activities on the 22nd include night racing under the lights at Point Sebago.

The Sebago Derby is being combined with a State Wide derby on March 8 through 9. The actual derby on Sebago takes place Saturday and Sunday. If you have never been, the festivities at Point Sebago alone are something to take in. Want to join? You can enter on line right here.

If you are looking for specific areas and techniques, check out my article in On The Water magazine this month. I interviewed some of Sebago’s most seasoned anglers, and with a little prodding and cajoling, they reviled some of their best spots and presentations to me. It’s all in the article, but I will tell you one thing, most of the winning fish do not come out of the depths you would expect.

The Sebago Derby cost $30 for an individual entry. The State Wide Derby cost twenty. If you enter the Sebago Derby, you automatically receive a spot in the State Wide derby. If you just want to enter the State Wide Derby, no problem, the cost is $20 for an individual entry.

Want more information? Check it out at www.icefishingderby.com .

Be safe and have fun fishing!

I've had a few people request more information on surf clamming. Since the tides do not look favorable for a seminar at this time, I thought that I would post a little advice. There are a few people that will clam during Friday's -0.7 tide, but I prefer -1.0 or lower. It is always important to call the Shell Fish Closure Hotline at (1-800-232-4733) to determine if the flats are open. Or check the Shell Fish Hot Line Web Site.

Stage One:
Here's a little advice. Surf clams role on to the beach during storms. Waves in the Atlantic Ocean run in a clockwise direction around the Sea of Saragossa. The sea is the center of the clock and the arms are the waves. As waves hit the shore in Saco Bay, the clams are pushed in a North to Northeast direction towards the beach and flats.

Stage Two:
As clams are ripped from the Bay's floor and moved to the beach, they begin to roll in the surf. Hence the term "Surf Clams"! They continue to roll in the surf and be ripped from the Bay's floor as the storm progresses. This rolling and ripping are directly related to the length/severity of the storm and the tides height. The longer the storm and the lower the tide, the more clams are ripped from the Bay's floor and are rolling around.

Stage Three:
The Storm subsides, and if it was a strong long one, some clams roll on to the beach for you to retrieve without digging. But the clam wants to be in the sand and as soon as its foot (tongue) gets a hold, it begins a pulsing action that buries itself. Once buried, the clams back is in a somewhat upward dirction.

Stage Four:
You want to go clamming. The tides are -1.0 or lower and the flats are exposed. Look for areas that would create an undertow if you were swimming and the tide was higher. You want to search on the southerly side of these humps. Walk backwards along the area where the waves lip at the beach probing all the while. If you feel something hard, back up 6 inches and try to dig it.

That all there is to it!

Marc

PS If no other clammers are around, you are plobably on the beach at the wrong time or in the wrong area. Look for other clammers the same way a fisherman looks for other boats!