Science & Outdoors
UW-SP fishing derby: new friends and prizes abound
The Pointer
jspra793@uwsp.edu
The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point will be holding a fishing derby this Saturday from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Lake Joanis in Schmeekle Reserve.
It’s a “contest to see who can catch the biggest fish,” said Eric Rajala, the travel and leisure coordinator for Centertainment. The derby will be an opportunity for UW-SP students and the Stevens Point community to enjoy the outdoor sport of ice fishing and have a chance at winning some extra cash.
“I think it’s a great way to get people outside and bring people together with a common interest,” UW-SP sophomore Benjamin Brown said.
First prize for biggest legal fish will be $100. There are three places of cash winnings and raffle prizes also.
“I am just looking forward to getting out, fishing and having a great time with friends,” said Tom Tompkins, president of UW-SP Society of American Foresters. “Winning a prize would just be an extra bonus.”
The Stevens Point Brewery and Centertainment are sponsoring the event and have included items such as ice fishing gear and winter gear for raffle prizes.
UW-SP has held fishing tournaments in the past, but according to records, there hasn’t been one in five years, Rajala said.
“Hopefully this will be a yearly thing,” he said.
The tournament will also be a good opportunity for students and members of the community to meet a variety of people.
“We’re always looking to hit different demographics,” Rajala said.
The cost of the event is free for students and $15 for non-students. All participants must have a valid Wisconsin fishing license and all fish must be regulation size in order to be kept. For more information and to sign up for the event, go to the UW-SP Ticket and Information Desk or contact Eric Rajala at eraja639@uwsp.edu.
