Ice fishers are always hopeful for their next opportunity to venture out on the lakes. (Photos by Elisa Walker.)

SYRACUSE — The Winter Carnival Ice Fishing Derby saw a great turnout Saturday, Feb. 16, at the Oakwood Resort. For four hours, ice fishers attempted to get the largest crappie, perch and bluegill from Lake Wawasee.

With a limit of 15 fish per team, everyone reeled in what they could to place in one of five spots to earn a cash prize, with first place being over $200. A raffle was also held for those who attended, offering a variety of fishing equipment, clothing and more.

Carl Pieper weighs each team’s fish.

The contest gathered people from all around, some as far as Lafayette. It was commented that it was amazing the ice fishing derby was able to happen and form solid ice in spite of the roller coaster-kind of weather that’s been happening, from negative 50 to 50 degrees.

The first place winner at 4.36 lbs. were Aenoy Saengkeo and Kevin Eltzroth.

Second place winner at 4.32 lbs. were John Denerly and Evan Houston, who also received an extra cash prize for the biggest fish caught.

Third place winner at 4.05 lbs. were Robert Johnson and K.J. Keene.

Fourth place winner at 1.74 lbs. were Jacob and Chuck LaTurner.

The fifth place winner at .63 lbs. were Tim Gage and Jeremiah Bardsley.

Pictured in front from left are Aenoy Saengkeo and Kevin Eltzroth, first place; K.J. Keene and Robert Johnson, third place.
Pictured in back are Time Gage and Jeremiah Bardsley, fifth place; John Denerly and Evan Houston, second place and biggest fish; Jacob and Chuck LaTurner, fourth place.