Derby's largest fish ever takes the prize - By Elizabeth Richards

It was a record-breaking weekend at the Sebago Lakes Rotary Club’s 14^th Sebago Lake Ice Fishing Derby. Steve Lothrop of Lewiston pulled in the largest fish ever caught in the history of the derby. His lake trout measured 39 3/8 inches and weighed in at 22.42 pounds.

The enormous trout claimed the first prize in the togue category, which landed Lothrop a 2013 Polaris Sportsman ATV. Second prize, a $500 gift card to Kittery Trading Post, went to Joe Murphy Sr. for his 4.76 pound togue. In third, with a 4.48 pound catch, was Kenneth Corbin, who took home a $200 gift card to Kittery Trading Post.

 

Gifts cards to Kittery Trading Post were also awarded for the big three fish in the pickerel and perch categories, in the amounts of $500, $200 and $100.

Benjamin Carlin took first with a 3.48 pound pickerel. Samantha Labreck came in second with a 2.75 pound catch, and Colin Hudson came in a very close third place with a 2.72 pound fish.

In the perch category, first prize winner was Rob Martin, weighing in at 1.66 pounds. Second place, with a 1.48 pound fish, went to Gunner Harriman. Chris Harriman took third in the perch category with a 1.4 pound catch. 

There were no pike weighed in at the derby, and therefore no prizes awarded in that category.

A wide range of additional prizes was awarded, both for fish pool entries, as well as for the 30 days of derby early registration. The big fish pool winner, taking home a 2013 Polaris Sportsman ATV, was Rob Ritter. He won after catching a 0.18 pound perch. The awards ceremony was held at the Windham Veteran’s Center on Sunday evening.

    Toby Pennels, event organizer, said it was a good Derby year for the Sebago Lake Rotary Club.  While final numbers are not yet available, there were close to 1,400 entries in this year's event.  Pennels expressed many thanks to all participants, and the dozens of sponsors who made the derby possible.  Having a record derby fish was just the icing on the cake, said Pennels.

The weekend was packed with fun, from helicopter rides to a Polar Dip, and snowmobile speed trials Sunday morning. One highlight of the weekend, said Dyer, was a very special moment for one couple. Jon Brideau got down on one knee on the ice and proposed to Jessica Aponte. She said yes.