BROOKINGS The Lake Campbell Sportsmen will hold their Annual George Magistad Family Ice Fishing Derby on Feb. 22. The Sportsmens Club distributes the proceeds to other groups who sponsor outdoor experiences for kids.
Chuck Berry, president of the club, said After we pay bills for hosting kids at our Lake Campbell outdoor adventure, we distribute the proceeds to other groups, from a conservation camp in the Black Hills to the Water Fest here in Brookings.
The Lake Campbell Ice Derby was canceled last year because of concern for ice safety. Berry says that this has been an unusual year for ice at Lake Campbell, but the south end is safe and there are already ice houses out there.
The Lake Campbell group has a long history of hosting this event. Berry said, There have been years of more fishing than catching, but adds that usually the catch is good; small fish are usually returned rather than brought in for weighing.
In the past 20 years, the number of weighed fish has ranged from about one to five dozen fish. At the 2018 event, about 100 anglers registered, and 39 of them caught 87 fish, mostly walleye, northern pike and perch.
The event is mostly for the kids, who must be accompanied by an adult angler. Kids get free registration, a registration gift, free lunch, and prizes for fish catching or no-fish-catching.
The club house on the southeast shoreline is full of educational materials, including ice safety and fish identification, taught by live fish in an aquarium. The Sportsmen are serving hot drinks, breakfast rolls, desserts and lunch. Berry added the water pipes are not frozen and the restrooms are good to go.
Other organizations receiving donations from the Sportsmen in the past include the youth shooting sports (4-H and high school), Game, Fish and Parks Foundation, Outdoor Adventure Foundation, Beacon Hill Gun Club, and South Dakota Wildlife Federation.
The event is named for George Magistad, long-time club member and local personality in Brookings. There is a raffle, a split-pot, and a silent auction. Many area business and individuals have contributed and we thank them muchly, said Berry.
Registration begins at 8 a.m. Adults register for $20, which is all paid out in awards after the weigh-in at 3 p.m, For more information, contact Berry 605-690-1252.
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