Some big fish were caught this year at the Cook County Ridge Rider’s Snowmobile Club annual trout derby. On the left, stepping in for Barry Pederson is Samantha Wallner. In the middle, Brandon Marxen holds his winning entry and Robin Bue, Knife River, proudly displays her third-place catch. Staff photos/Hal Kettunen
Brandon Marxen, Grand Marais, was the big winner at the Cook County Ridge Rider’s Snowmobile Club annual trout derby with his entry of an 11-pound lake trout.
This year the derby was held at West Bearskin Lake on Saturday, March 2.
All told 73 people registered to fish, 52 non-members and 21 members, with about another 70 people in attendance enjoying the activities.
Brandon wasn’t the only angler to pull in a big fish. Robin Bue finished second with a 9-pound, 9-ounce beauty, and Barry Pederson took third place with a dandy 8-pound, 11-ounce lake trout.
Two other nice trout were weighed in. Kevin Sheils placed 4th with a 7-pound 13-ounce lake trout, and Jimmy Walner took 5th with a 6-pound, 14-ounce lunker.
All of the other fish that were entered weighed less than four pounds. In sixth place was Jade Wohmart, Barry Pederson also finished seventh, Marley eighth, Chris Hasty ninth and Kevin Shiels, who also took tenth.
The Ridge Riders plowed roads out onto the ice, which made it easier for contestants to set up, find a place to drill a hole and erect a tent if they so desired. One contestant said it was a cold and windy day with a high temp of 7F. Wind gusts of 20 to 30 mph made the day challenging for fishermen who didn’t have a tent or some other shelter, he said, but the crowd was enthusiastic.
One of the activities for the kids who attended the fish derby was the piñata. Kids lined up to take their whacks at it and finally, when it broke there were a bunch of eager children reaping the loot.
While not everyone caught fish, there were fish burgers, hot dogs, brats, and burgers and a piñata for kids and a raffle and other prizes for contestants. First prize for the biggest fish was $300, second was $200 and third was $100.
Funds raised help support the club continue to maintain snowmobile trails and grooming equipment.
Edwin E. Thoreson Inc. was the sponsor of the fish derby.
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