02/16/2026
There was no shortage of young anglers proudly standing in line to weigh their catch at the 2026 Slim’s Fishing Derby. We gave out 30 new Heritage ice traps to these kids to help promote our favorite pastime. Two of these kids was also the recipient of a free lifetime fishing license. It is heartwarming to see so many families enjoying the event together.
Overall donations and ticket sales improved from last year. The thick layer of ice on the ponds, and bright sunny conditions on Saturday and Sunday helped sell 416 tickets to the event. The weigh station lines moved swiftly, and we saw more than 76 fish over the weekend-long event. Between the door prize drawings and derby winnings, we gave out more than $4500 in cash and gear to 38 recipients.
We thank our amazing sponsors f/v Under Pressure, f/v Alivia Grace, Long Cove Marine, DLB Plumbing & Heating, f/v Hypocrite, AH Marine, Island Employee Co-op, Fifield Lobster, Downeast Tractor Works, and a dozen other businesses and individuals who have contributed to this great cause. We couldn’t keep the lights on without your generous and unwavering support. THANK YOU!!
Our thanks go out to all of the derby participants. Your continued support, dedication, and participation in our event help us to promote the sport of ice fishing to the younger participants. This year we raised more than $6100 for the Jimmy Douglass Memorial Book Award. These funds help ensure we are able to continue to award $3500 annually to three Hancock County high school seniors looking to further their education.
We would like to recognize the group representing Save Our Ponds, a citizens group that fought to protect the dams on Silver Lake, Alamoosook Lake, and Toddy Pond. These ponds are critical to the success of our derby. We appreciate the effort of Save Our Ponds has done to help preserve these treasured resources, and ensure they will exist for future generations to enjoy.
Stanley Grindle and his Wing Dingahs food truck are a welcome sight at the landing weigh station. Despite the always below-freezing temperatures, there is always a line of customers looking for some amazing wings and warm food on a cold day.
Our thanks to Greg Burr, retired Downeast Fisheries Resource Supervisor, author (and cribbage master). Greg has been instrumental in our weigh-in process for more than ten years. His knowledge, experience, guidance and support have been vital to our operations.
Thank you ALL again for an amazing season. We (along with Flat Aaron) are looking forward to seeing everyone again in 2027!
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