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The second in a series of ice fishing tournaments is coming up this weekend. And local anglers were big winners in the first tourney stop.
The 2012 Sports Column Colorado Classic Ice Fishing Tournament, hosted by Colorado Parks and Wildlife and produced by the 11 Mile Marina at Eleven Mile State Park, held the opening Grand Slam event on Jan. 7; 115 teams from across Colorado competed for more than $7,000 in prize money.
The big winners were John and Tyler Elwell, of Woodland Park, who took the Northern Pike category in total weight and Big Fish Pot with a single pike weighing 15.09 pounds.They won $1,207.
Brandon White and Bryan Johnson, of Salida, captured the Trout category with four fish weighing 15.655 pounds, including the big trout of the day, which tipped the scales at 6.875 pounds. They took home $1,207.
The Kokanee Salmon category saw Matt Torrelli and EJ Kelley, of Colorado Springs, take first place with a 10-fish bag weighing 12.155 pounds. They took home $607.
Kory Weaver and Jeremy Moore, of Woodland Park, took home $600 for the single biggest Kokanee, which weighed 1.915 pounds.
The next contest in the series is the South Park Ice Masters Tournament on Saturday.
This trout-only team event is for the heaviest total weight for two fish in addition to the optional Big Fish Pot for the single heaviest fish of the day. Twenty percent of the participating teams will win cash.
Each winning team member receives the coveted Ice Masters green jacket, their name enshrined on the Traveling Trophy, and bragging rights to one of the most competitive ice fishing contests in Colorado.
Door prizes include Avalanche tickets, tackle, and dinners at local restaurants. Entry fee is $75 per team in advance or $95 on the day of the contest.
A valid daily or annual Colorado State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. All participants much have a valid Colorado fishing license.
Park officials remind ice fishermen that ice thicknesses may vary considerably within relatively short walking distances. Anyone venturing out onto the ice should always go with a partner, drill test holes to determine ice thickness, wear a life jacket and carry ice picks, 50 feet of rope and a cell phone.
Park rangers also recommend that anglers stay away from pressure ridges, open water and ice that is porous, soft or has granulated crystals.
For contest rules, details and entry forms go to 11milesports.com or call the 11 Mile Marina toll free at 1-877-725-3172.
PIKE CONTEST, TOO
The inaugural Pike Ice Derby will be held at Crawford State Park on Saturday.
The tournament, hosted by Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Bait Box-N-More shop, runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. with weigh-ins from 3:30 to 4 p.m.
Register at the Bait Box-N-More in Crawford. Prizes will be awarded for most weight for two pike caught and largest pike caught. The most weight place prize is 75% of the pot; largest pike caught gets 15%.
Tournament rules are available at Crawford State Park’s Visitor Center or the Bait Box-N-More at (970) 921-5219.
ICE FISHING TOURNEY AT VEGA
Parks and Wildlife and the Collbran Lions Club are hosting an Ice Fishing Tournament at Vega State Park on Saturday.
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The event is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with check-in either 5 to 8 p.m. Friday night at Vega Lodge or Saturday beginning at 6 a.m. at the Vega State Park entrance.
Prizes will be awarded to adults for largest fish caught; first place is $750. Other prizes will be awarded to the first five places for anglers ages 11-17 and 10 or younger.
Tournament entry is limited to 250 adults and 50 youths.
To register, download and complete the Fishing Tournament Registration Form and review the Fishing Tournament Rules. Entry fee is $45 for adults only.
Registration forms and tournament rules are also available at Vega State Park’s Visitor Center, Vega Lodge or in Collbran at Valley Ranch Supply or Collbran Supply.
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