Nancy Miller reels in big prize at Morson Fish Derby

Ken Johnston

The weather was perfect and the fishing was good at the 8th annual Morson Ice Fishing Derby last Saturday.
The number of registrants was up from last year. About 188 registered this year whereas last year only 173 participated.
The fishing was also better this year with 172 walleye/sauger caught compared to last year’s 51. However only four northern pike were caught and 89 perch were brought in. Last year there were no northerns and only six perch.
Anglers reported steady catches all morning. Around noon things tapered off a bit, but picked up again later in the day. Early on Cory Lindal of Rainy River was leading with a 3lb. 1 oz. walleye. His lead was erased about mid-day by Nancy Miller of Morson who caught the biggest walleye of the day with a 4lb. 9 oz. lunker. She earned $250 for that fish. There was a three way tie for second with Virginia Handorgan, Jim Miller and Rick Cunningham all catching 3lb. 6 oz. fish. They received $100 each. Lindal finished third and took home $75.
The largest northern was caught by Phil Neil with an 11lb. 12 oz. fish. That earned him $150. In second it was Joe Bonhomme with a 7lb. 3 oz. fish. He won $75. Third went to Luanne Scott with a 4lb. 13 oz. fish. She won $50.
Catching the most perch on the day was Reuben Gibbins with 16. He won a Minnow bucket/seat, a Buena Vista Sweatshirt and an ice fishing rod and reel. Cindy Olson came in second with 10 perch and won a rod and reel combo.
The hidden weight was 1lb. 5oz. John King won a rod and reel for catching a 1lb. 4.5 oz. walleye.
Back at the Morson Hall, those who did not want to fish played cribbage in a tournament. Tied for first was John and Maryanne McCormack and Larry Nordin and Thelma Fadden. Each team had 850pts. and took home $20 each. Sheila Gate had the high hand with 21 and won $20.
One of the organizers, Sheila Gate said, “I am really happy with the way the tournament went.” They also served 80 people at the pancake breakfast and 60 at the supper.