Lines are out of the water as Chapleau's 26th annual Pike Ice Fishing Derby is now in the books.
Nearly 700 anglers from near and far hit the ice for the Saturday derby, but the top prize of $30,000 went to a 7.93-pound pike caught by Pierre Joyal - who’d travelled from Florida to his hometown - while the $15,000 second prize went to Claude Clouthier with a 5.83-pound pike, and Steven Bernier claimed the $10,000 third prize.
While Rotary Club of Chapleau Acting President Luc Tessier acknowledges weather had been a concern, he's positive about the event.
Tessier adds funds raised by the derby helps the local Rotary Club, supporting various causes and organizations in the community.