By Carol Stiffler
Anglers, prepare your tackle boxes.
There are two opportunities to head onto the ice and catch the biggest fish you can in Curtis.
This weekend, the Frostbite Ice Fishing Contest takes place on South, Northern, and Big Manistique lakes, where the ice is between 16-20 inches thick “and growing”, according to Portage Anglers Club President Betsy Pollaski.
Anglers can fish from 6 a.m. in search of the longest Northern pike and walleye, and the heaviest perch and crappie. Anglers must be in line by 7 p.m. for final weigh-in. Cash rewards will split 70% of the payout. Any kid who brings in a fish to be weighed will win a prize.
Registration is available now through noon on February 7 at Mick’s Bait Shop and the Fish & Hunt Shop in Curtis.
Next weekend, the annual Curtis Fish Coop and Winter Carnival takes place on South Manistique Lake. The fish crib is already installed under the ice, though fish have not been delivered yet.
Around the Curtis community, stores and restaurants have displays available where people can buy a $5 Fish Coop button for kids so they can access the ice for free. Pollaski said the goal is to get as many kids out on the ice as possible.
“Over 1000 buttons [were] made and a lot are being bought or donated so we can get a lot of kids in free,” Pollaski said.
This year, the “iconic” sledding hill will be bigger, and lawn mower races on the ice should offer ridiculous fun. Also updated for this year, the popular giant fish pinata is covered in a patchwork of fabric for a quilted look. It’ll still get smashed, and kids will reap the rewards.
Prizes for Fish Coop winners will include some whoppers, like normal. In previous years, kids have won kayaks and boats and high-value items.
A separate high-rollers fishing event will help raise money for next year’s Fish Coop, and Veterans will be invited to fish as well.
A hot air balloon has been secured for the Fish Coop, though its presence can be deterred by weather.
While many components of the Fish Coop will come together at the last minute, anyone who wants to help now can make donations at Tally Ho BBQ, Shipwreck Inn, or Curtis Motor Sports. Be sure to indicate your donation is to help kids fish for free.
