Sunday's destination was Long Lake for Hannaford's fifth annual Ice Fishing Derby. It was readily apparent that an old rule of thumb exists - if it's storms heavily leading up to a day of fishing - you may have poor luck. Whether false or not, Sunday seems to prove fish tend to know when storms are approaching and feed heavily ahead of time.

Arriving at sun up, we set up traps at varying depths and settled in. A few perch later, we adjusted depths and tried with salmon or trout in mind. 2PM soon arrived without an adult registry of either fish above the derby limit of 20". With competition closing at 3:30, I began jigging in hopes of capturing the attention of a hungry fish.

As the wind picked up, the 201 registrants began packing gear away and heading home, with good reason. I followed suit. Approaching the leaderboard at the ending minute, no adult trout or salmon registered above the 20" rule. I think next time I'll try before snowstorms. No matter what - any day on the ice is satisfying and worthwhile.

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About the Author

Rhon Bell, an outdoor enthusiast, spends his time exploring the Maine Woods and documenting his journeys.

Growing up in Aroostook County, he embraced the outdoor lifestyle at a young age. Living today near Portland, he spends weekends and week-long adventures hiking New England summits, canoeing the historic Maine waterways, and ice fishing for lake trout.

Follow the journey as Window to the Woods discovers new destinations, and check out his other blog, Backwoods Plaid.

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