Saturday proved a picture-perfect day for some classic Canadian fun, as anglers set up camp on Bertrand’s Bay to compete in support of their local fire department.

With comfortable temperatures and a clear sky, folks hit the lake in support of the Bryson, Grand Calumet Island and Portage du Fort (BGCP) Fire Department at their fourth Family Fun Ice Fishing Derby.

The derby helps the fire department afford a number of quality of life improvements, as well as various charitable initiatives in the community.

Brigade coordinator Eric Harrington explained that quality of life improvements can apply to any number of upgrades for the department. For equipment, it could mean pitching in to afford a better axe, which allows them to utilize the tool for multiple scenarios, or even endure harsher conditions. In terms of their vehicles, it could mean adding new visibility measures that will help not only their efforts, but the public, too.

“A lot of people ask, ‘Why are firefighters raising money?’” he said.

Harrington said that as much as the municipalities afford their department the basic need in terms of tools, equipment and more, as set out by budget and necessity, their fundraising helps that money go much further.

The community, understanding this, still turned out in great number, not even necessarily to fish. A fair amount turned out just to sign up and add the registration fee to the pot, as they know it’s a great help for the department.

Though the fish were slow to bite that day, the anglers stuck out the day, enjoying some cold ones and the company out on the bay. A few fish were brought in early, but the clear winners wouldn’t turn out until later.

When it all wrapped up, Adam Frost came out on top, with his pike weighing 2 lbs., 14 oz. In second was Jeff Benoit, and third rounded out by Ryan Benoit. The 50/50 winner, Claude Ryan, scored $156 in the draw, but donated $100 back to the department.

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