The Harbour Harvest - Ice Fishing Derby

UPDATES:

• If you need equipment, as of Feb 17th at 10:15pm we have about 40 rods left. Please arrive after 9:00am to register on-site to get your hands on them. We cannot guarantee we will have some for on-site registrations

  Note: Canadian Tire and Cabela's have rods with line on sale right now for $20 - go invest in one or two. Thank us later.

• If you have your own equipment - registration will be $20. We can still drill holes for you.

• Anyone is welcome to come by to watch and pick up strategies for next year. You also have time to donate online or drop it off on site (place it in an envelope if you have a prefered charity out of the 3 we are supporting; add your name and contact info if you want a tax receipt)

• Expect some deep snow - wet in spots. And lots of fun!

Features:

• Option to enjoy a delicious brunch in the Harbour View Hall at the Galley Restaurant in the Nepean Sail Club in Ottawa!

• No fishing license required! We are an official OFFE event!

• Holes drilled and all equipment and bait available on site

• All abilities welcome!

• Cabela's Ottawa store local experts on site for demos

• Ottawa Riverkeeper on site to talk about fish species and Ice Safety

This is cozy ice fishing! Access to warm and clean washrooms, a restaurant, a fire pit with marshmallows, an indoor fireplace, and more. ANYONE CAN FISH, ANYONE CAN WIN! EVERYONE HAS FUN!

Cash Prizes:

• $300+ Trophy for 1st place (Longest live fish),
• $200 for person with most species caught (if a tie, we will use total length of fish - must be alive). Species that qualify include Pike, Walleye, Perch, Catfish, Crappie, Sunfish (Ontario Fishing Regulations). Only fish caught in the Harbour of the Nepean Sailing Club between 8:00am and 3:00pm will qualify. Must have at least two species to qualify - you cannot share or pass on your fish to help them win, they must be your own catch.
  

- Every registration will receive a ticket for a guaranteed door prizes (presented at 3:15 PM along with trophies)

How it works:

• Check in opens at 8:00am (you can arrive anytime you like after then)
• Registration options include the Regular ALL DAY pass, or if you just want a small taste, try either a 9-12pm time slot, 12-3pm (this may allow us to share the equipment to more people if we know when you want to drop in)
• Check-in table located inside the main entrance of the Nepean Sailing Club.
  
• Everyone needs to sign a waiver (available at check-in if not able to do online)
• Once you check in, you will be ushered to the equipment and bait. Unless you already consider yourself an expert, you will get an awesome orientation on how to set up and jig for fish by our volunteers.
• Experts will also be roaming on the ice to help with set up and give advice (and creature handling if you wish).
• We will be spread out throughout the harbour. NEW this year - you can go to any open hole/slip. You must be at your slip/hole if you want to keep it (note that no lines are allowed in the water unless you are within 20 meters), or move around to any unattended hole, or ask for a new hole to be drilled for $5 - 100% goes to the Ottawa Riverkeeper.
• Organizers will drill your hole (max 2 per registration). Provincial regulations limit is two lines/holes per angler - only one line in allowed per hole.
• You are welcome to bring your own gear/bait and drill your own holes if you have the equipment.
• A normal registration includes fully rigged up gear and a ticket for a minnow or worm (bait).
• $1 each "additional" minnow or worm (limited quantities available or you may bring your own bait or favourite lures)
• Everyone must abide by the Ontario Fishing Regulations

The "Harbour Harvest Kit" will include:

• A bucket (can be a seat, but mainly used for transporting gear/fish)
• Two rigged up tip-ups (rods) with two options - a lure or hook with bait (minnow or worm).
• Some other surprises/treats may be included!

Come for the entire day, or just drop in for a bite or two! See the new registration options for Drop-in.

Trophies/awards/door prizes presented at 3:15pm.

About the charities:

New this year, we will support 3 different charities/causes: (details to come)

• 1. Ottawa Riverkeeper

• 2. OCISO - Friends of the Family program

• 3. Lakeview Public School (for outdoor equipment for K-6 to use at recess)
  

FAQs:

I can't attend, how can I still support you or get in on the fun?

If you, or your friends, can't make it to the event, try these ideas...

• Share - spread the word
• DONATE - 100% of the donations made here will go to your charity of choice and receive a Charitable Tax Receipt

I've never been ice fishing before. Can I still participate?

• Absolutely! We'll get you set up and show you how it's done!

I have a big group, what do you recommend?

• We recommend you order so each member of your group gets a rod (you get a hole for every rod)
• If you have a group of 10 or more, contact us to see if we can put aside a bucket for you and you can pay in another way and get a deal (ie. 10 rods and 1 bucket for $80 instead of $100) email dan@dropinsports.ca or call 6133550735

If I want to go ice fishing with a friend, do we each need to buy a ticket?

• No, if you would like to share a fishing hole and equipment you only need to purchase one individual angler ticket. Having your own holes are more fun though :)

What do I bring?

• Dress warm - Waterproof/warm boots help you enjoy the day
• Outdoor friendly snacks. The Galley is a restaurant and for health code reasons no outside food or drinks will be allowed inside.
• Bring your own gear if you got it.
• a camping or portable chair (or hust sit on the dock)
• $5 for unlimited hot chocolate!
• $cash money for 50/50 draw or other donations to great causes!

Where can I park for the event?

• There is free parking available on-site at the Nepean Sailing Club.

Can I get there by Bus?

• Yes, try OC Transpo route 152, or get to Bayshore and walk 14 min.

Will food and drinks be available for purchase?

• The Bar and Galley at the Nepean Sailing Club will be open to participants all day after 10:30am. NEW THIS YEAR: Call ahead to reserve a seat (or seats) Call Heather (613) 829-6462 or email her at businessmanager@nsc.ca
• $5 onsite will get you a stamp for unlimited coffee and hot chocolate until 2:30pm.
• You will be given the opportunity to add some donation money to your food bill. The breakfast is regular price and the Sailing Club is not passing on some portion of the meal. Anything helps

Can I hang out in the Galley restaurant all day?

• Not really, please avoid staying indoors - get outside and jig, jig, jig. Of course you can go in and out as you please to warm up as needed, just dont fall asleep on those cozy couches by the fire place :)

What time does it start?

• We will start on site registrations at 8:00am. Event starts officially at 8:00am for some of the serious anglers, normal people trickle in after 9:00am.

Will we catch fish?

• No Guarantees - it depends. Annika caught three last year, but that is because she showed good patience and stuck by her hole most of the day.
• Side activities (weather depending) may take place - such as a "pull your kid" sled pull challenge, snow building, tug of war ...next year we hope to do a polar dip challenge! let us know if interested!
• Fun Fact: In 2018, we had 17 fish caught - 11 year old Nick caught the 24.5 inch pike to take home $300 and a cool trophy!

Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?

• No

Can I be a SPONSOR or be a bigger supporter of this event and its participants?

• Yes! Contact us and we can find a package that works for you and your goals! Lets talk SOON! Dan@dropinsports.ca

What's the refund policy?

• If the event does not happen due to severe weather or other uncontrollable factors, ticket sales will be refunded (except for donations to the charity - we thank you for those.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

• No

Can I sign up on-site?

• Yes, but equipment may be limited and prices will be higher (approx 50% higher)