$10,000 Ice Fishing Derby Returns

Registration is underway for the 14th annual ice fishing derby on Walled Lake, with a top prize of $10,000 for catching a 40-inch pike tagged for the competition.

The event, which takes place from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 11, will also feature cash payouts ranging from $500 to $1,000, merchandise raffles, and door prizes.

It’s expected that this year’s turnout will be greater than last year’s, which attracted 670 competitors and several hundred observers.

“We get a ton of spectators at the event, and there’s usually 300-plus ice shanties on the lake. It looks like a little village out there,” Hopeck said.

The Beach Tiki Bar & Boil restaurant on Walled Lake Drive, just east of Pontiac Trail, is hosting the tournament.

“It’s known as the ‘home of the $10,000 tagged fish’ — our payouts exceed anybody’s,” said Hopeck.

The top prize is guaranteed this year by the Greenhouse marijuana store in Walled Lake.

Owner Jerry Millen put up the money to avoid a problem encountered last year with an insurance policy that was supposed to provide the payout, but didn’t.

Hopeck said that despite a last-minute “Plan B,” the winner still walked away with $10,000.

Since organizers decided not to take on the insurance policy for this year’s big prize, Millen stepped up.

“It’s important to do good things for the community, and Walled Lake is our home,” Millen said. “We love that we can give back to all those who have supported us.”

The winner of the $10,000 prize must be 18 or older.

Greenhouse will also run a $5 raffle during the tournament, with the winner taking home a prize pack valued at $1,000.

Other derby prizes:

• $1,000 for 1st place pike
• $750 for 2nd place pike
• $500 for 3rd place pike
• $500 “side pot” payouts for panfish, perch, crappie and rock bass

Besides cash, there will be more than $8,000 in raffle packages, which Hopeck describes as “state-of-the-art, cutting edge” items.

There is a $35 registration fee for anglers and $5 for kids under 15. Early registration begins at The Bait Shop, 2574 Airport Road in Waterford Township, on Feb. 2. Registration will start at The Beach Tiki Bar & Boil, 142 E. Walled Lake Drive in Walled Lake on Feb. 9 and run through 10 a.m. on derby day. Online registration will also be available soon at www.mifishingderbys.com.

A portion of the tournament’s proceeds will be donated to the Walled Lake Civic Fund for the city’s fireworks display in 2023.

A good gesture from the behalf of the organization helping to keep other events at Walled Lake alive for every one to enjoy.

Get your ice fishing gear ready the Derby is just around the conner. Don’t miss out your chance to win $10,000, just look out for the tagged pike!

Remember to be prepared for the cold temperatures.

Get some good hot drinks and mostly important wear worm clothes so you can enjoy the Derby as best as you can and take a grate experience home with you, from the fishing to the social.

Everyone is welcome, so join us on Feb.11 at Walled Lake.

 

Sources: TheOaklandExpress