COPPER?HARBOR?- Sunshine and unseasonably-warm 50-degree temperatures greeted area ice anglers at the Lake Fanny Hooe Ice Fishing Tournament in Copper Harbor last Saturday. Ice surface conditions ranged from walkable hard crust to six inches of slush over two feet of rock solid ice. The unique, experimental tourney featured one rod only, no tip-ups and no snowmobiles.
The largest fish caught was a 22-inch walleye by an unidentified fisherman not registered in the tournament. Several smallmouth bass and a few splake were also reported by fishermen not competing in the event. First place in the Adult Division went to Ken Kipina with an 8-1/2-inch, 2.1 ounce yellow perch. Jordan Redd caught a 7-3/4-inch, 2 ounce perch to win first place in the Kids Division. Rods, reels and gift certificates donated by local merchants were awarded to kids.
Tourney sponsors were McCabe Distributing and The Pines Resort/Zik's Bar & Restaurant. Proceeds benefit Splake fishing in the Keweenaw. For more info, call Vicki Stigers, 289-4222.
Adults
1. Ken Kipina, 8-1/2 inch, 2.1 oz perch, $50
2. Mark "Hawk" Grahek, 7-inch, 2 oz perch, $25
Kids
1. Jordan Redd, 7-3/4", 2 oz perch
2. Tyler Kipina, 6-1/2" , 1.3 oz perch
3. Bowdie Crist, 6-1/2", 1 oz perch
4. Hannah Kipina, 6", 1 oz perch