Fourth Annual HoCA Ice Fishing Contest held

CRESCO - The 4th Annual HoCA (Howard Cancer Association) Ice Fishing Contest was held on Saturday, Jan. 28, under mid-20’s temperatures and depending on who you talked to ice depths from 4-12” on Vernon Springs Pond.

“Considering the ice conditions, we had a very good turnout,” said event organizer, Steve Lickteig.

Roughly 100 people, from toddlers to seniors took advantage of seasonable temperatures to get out there to not only compete but to support a good cause as well.

“We are really fortunate and things work out really well because the Cresco Country Club opens up the club house for us,” said Lickteig.

Why They Came

“My mother and Taylor’s grandmother died from cancer,” said Jason Carolan, Decorah. “That and getting out with friends is why we are here. It’s been a good day.”

Duane Nie was at the tournament with his four-year old daughter, Johnna, who was a bit shy and didn’t have much to say. But her dad commented, “We are here to help raise funds for people affected by cancer. I get to bring my daughter out and spend time with her. I’m not here to catch fish. Not here to get money. I am here for the cause.”

Waverly native Collin Meier came from there for the tournament.

“I like to do ice fishing tournaments,” said Meier, “They’re fun. You get to meet a lot of people and it’s all for a good cause.”

Cresco resident, Catlin Sanders was on hand with friend, Katie Mass, Austin, Minn.

“I am good friends with Stevie,” said Sanders. “I come out here to support him and am out here for charity.”

Jamie DeBerg, Clarksville, came to the tournament by default.

 “I was going to go to another tournament closer to home but the ice wasn’t thick enough and they canceled the tournament,” noted DeBerg. “I try to make a tournament every weekend when I can. It’s about sportsmanship and fun for me.”

Some came out and bared the elements with little more than auger, pole, line and bait, while others came out and fished in the comforts of heated ice fishing huts and fiber-optic ICE flashers. No matter how much gear one had or didn’t have, there seemed to be one commonality, people were out to “support a good cause.”

As the tournament wound down, participants headed to the club house for refreshments, food, door prizes from northeast Iowa businesses and the announcements of tournament winners.

Top prize of $840 went to Brian Jestrab, Protivin, with a 17” northern pike. Second place went to Mickey Konen, Des Moines, who took home $300 with a 15 5/8” northern pike. The biggest winner of the day was HoCA. Lickteig shared that $2,240 was raised for the non-profit.