The Whitney Point Sportsmens Association has been advised that the Broome County Department of Parks and Recreation has evaluated the ice conditions at Whitney Point Lake, along with next week’s forecast and deemed that conditions are favorable for safe ice. Authorization has been given to conduct the crappie derby on February 14, 2015. Current ice thickness is about 12 inches.
We expect the purse to be in the area of $5,000. There will be prizes for many fishing categories for those registered. There will also be prizes available for those who just wish to get outdoors after this long winter but do not want to fish. The Derby Committee has set aside a number of prizes for the younger participants to assure that they have a good time. We encourage families to come out and enjoy the day. We will have members on the ice who will find a reason to give youngsters a prize. The Whitney Point Sportsmens Association, who sponsors this event in cooperation with the Broome County Department of Parks and Recreation, are joined by local and national merchants who provide the prizes.
Events on the ice will include:
– The National Weather Service (including a Real Time Weather Station providing instantaneous weather information such as temperature, wind velocity and wind chill).
– EMTs will be available with a sheltered area.
– The Ross Park Zoo will have an exhibit of species appropriate to the weather.
– The 4H Education Center at Finch Hollow will be on-hand with displays and to answer questions.
– Gander Mountain of Johnson City will display and demonstrate the latest state-of-the-art equipment for the ice fisherman. Gander Mountain staff will also be available for tips and advice on the sport of ice fishing.
The Broome County Underwater Dive Team will be on hand to demonstrate their winter water rescue techniques.
– The Amigo Search & Rescue K9 group from Oneonta will have some of their trained canine troops.
– The Whitney Point Rotary Club will provide a good skating area along with FREE loaner skates for anyone interested in giving this a try. Also,
Bowman’s Lumber will have a functioning furnace to display and providing heat.
We are still working on other possible displays and entertainment to make the event more interesting for the non-anglers. See the derby Website for more details. Come early and visit the First Baptist Church on Rte 11 in Whitney Point for a great buffet style Pancake Breakfast starting at 5:00 AM (till 9:00 AM).
The derby hours are from 8 AM to 3 PM. At 3 PM, prizes will be awarded for the biggest crappie (1st, 2nd and 3rd), the biggest fish of a number of fish species. Prizes are awarded every fifteen minutes for the largest crappie caught during that period. This encourages a steady flow of fish to the judges throughout the day. Other significant raffles and door prizes will take place during the event.
Questions can be directed to Dave Hughes at (607) 692-3263 or visit our website at WWW.CRAPPIEDERBY.COM for details. NYSCRAPPIEDERBY@AOL.COM