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!

Most fishermen enjoy a night of Maine smelting.

The problem that arises is matching the tide with your schedule. At Tad's Maine Smelt Camps, the camp rentals are always at the same time 4:00PM to 10:00PM.

I ran up to Tad's Maine Smelting Camps on Saturday and fished until Guy Forest and myself had filled half of a bucket. The smelting was good and the best part of it was I got home to watch the second half of the Pats game.

When I first heard of Tad's Maine Smelting Camps, I was excited to find a place so close to Portland. It's an easy drive and shouldn't run you longer than half an hour from downtown.

Not all nights are as productive as Saturday was. But even when it is a little slower, I enjoy the small camp atmosphere and the warmth of the wood stove. Tad only puts three or four cabins out a year, so space can be limited. I usually head up to Tad's Camps after work.

If you want to check on availability you can reach Tad at (207-729-1455) And if you need directions follow this google map. It will get you close, just look for the large HUNTER sign with a small fish attached to it.

Test Your Fish Sense

True or False.......When Smelting, a small piece of bait will catch more fish than a large piece of bait. answer at end of post!

I rode up to Jim's in Bowdoinham on Thursday night and picked up between twenty-five and thirty smelt. I was keeping the larger ones for bait and really lost track of just how many I caught. The catching was fast enough to hold my interest.

I had a good time! Jim's Smelting Camps are located where Little Fish use to be. At least that was the case in December of 2005

True.....I catch more smelt when using a small piece of bait. I usually cut my worms in 1/4" or smaller pieces. Hooking them through the skin and placing them on a #8 OR #10 hook or small jig.

Posted by Marc Gilbert at 09:36 AM
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