25th Ice Fisheree was considered a big success
According to the Feb. 5, 1975, Courier Press, the yield at that year’s Ice Fisheree was among the best of the past ten years. Tom Hawkins, Lone Rock, caught the biggest fish of the event at 15 lbs. 8 oz. (Courier Press)
By Steve Van Kooten
In 1951, the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ first Ice Fisheree weathered cold temperatures and biting wind to be successful. Twenty-five years later, the event was still going strong, and along with the VFW, the Jaycees and Area Chamber of Commerce sponsored the event.
At the 1975 event, the event took place on Saturday, Feb. 1, and Sunday, Feb. 2, with an estimated 1,500 fishermen competing for more than 100 prizes.
The Jan. 29, 1975, edition of the Courier Press reported that more than 50 businesses donated items for the event the previous year, and the roster of available prizes seemed to be comparable at the 25th event.
In the Feb. 5 Courier, the VFW, Chamber and Jaycees claimed it was “one of the finest fisherees of the last 10 years.”
The Press reported that, while some events in the past had larger takes of fish, the 1975 event produced a wider variety of fish species and sizes.
The article says “some fisheries specialists” credited the event’s strong yield to increased oxygen levels in Gremore Lake due to light snow cover, thin ice and heavy sun exposure over the winter months, making it a desirable wintering location for fish.
The article concludes by saying, “Gremore Lake continues to be one of the famed locations of the area as a winter fishing spot. The Fisheree proves it.”
One of the most notable stories from that year’s fisheree was Tom Hawkins’ prize-winning pike. The catch wasn’t an easy one for the Lone Rock resident.
From the Courier article: “Tom had to seek the aid of his fellow ice choppers. When he had the big fish partly out of the hole, it became stuck. With a firm hold, he was assisted in gaining some extra chops with the ice spud to enlarge the hole. These were anxious moments.”
After Hawkins netted his quarry, spectators and other fishermen reportedly applauded him for his effort and the assistance of other sportsmen.
Winners at the 1975 event included:
Pike: Tom Hawkins, Lone Rock, 15 lbs. 8 oz.; Mike Weier, Mazomanie, 10 lbs. 14 oz.
Black Bass: Joe Ingle, Prairie du Chien, 4 lbs. 5.25 oz.; Bob Bernard, Waterloo, Iowa, 3 lbs.
Sunfish: Jim Pagel, Lancaster, 10.5 oz.; Gary Gentes, Prairie du Chien, 9 oz.
Crappie: Norbert Fritz, Potosi, 1 lb. 7.75 oz.; Byron Olinger, Manchester, Iowa, 1 lb. 5 oz.
Perch: Gary Sturdevan, Avoca, 1 lb. 7 oz.
Striped Bass: Mark Kloster, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 14.75 oz.Bullhead: Bill White, Oelwein, 13.5 oz.Dogfish: Randy DuCharme, Wauzeka, 5 lbs. 14.5 oz.Boat: Bob Wilkinson, Marion, Iowa.
