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Big Jack Classic returning for third year

Stettler

The Big Jack Classic is coming up for a third year in February. 

Taking place over the family day weekend, the annual fishing derby coincides with a free fishing weekend in the province. 

"Last year we had 377," said Byron Geddes, executive director of Stettler Regional Board of Trade. 

"This year we're trying to match that again. We've got tons of prizes and the money is fantastic."

Registration for the annual event will open on the afternoon of  Feb. 14 at the Rochon Sands Hall, and remain open all weekend.

Entry into the derby is remaining at $35 per participant, adult or child.

For those needing to get off the ice to warm up, a concession will be run at the hall all weekend, and some games will be available for people as well. 

If participants need tackle or bait, organizers have them covered there as well; according to Geddes two vendors will be available over the weekend. One vendor will be set up statically in the community hall while a second will actually be out on the ice. 

According to Kami Ritz, the Board of Trade Communications Officer, the derby has succeeded in drawing a lot of repeat anglers to the region over the first two years and they have "taken it as their own."

Ritz notes that around 70 per cent of the anglers come from more than 60 kilometres away. 

"People are discovering Stettler and area," said Geddes.

"One of our participants actually came back and bought a place. What more can you ask?"

Geddes says that while ice conditions are not great yet, safety will be paramount. 

"We'll make sure the conditions are right," said Geddes. "The last thing we want is any bad accidents in the lake."

Leading up to the event, committee members will go out onto the lake and drill various areas to determine ice thickness. If any areas are deemed questionable, the Board of Trade will have ice maps available so people know which areas to stay away from. 

Provided the weather cools sufficiently and the ice is safe for vehicles, both Ritz and Geddes noted that participants will have to take some responsibility for ice safety.

"Follow safe ice practices," said Geddes.

Geddes notes that safe ice tips are available on the Big Jack website and also handed out in the welcome pamphlet for anglers. 

There will be some star power on hand for the weekend. Angler Lisa Roper has been part of the derby since its inception and she is returning for a third year.

"She's amazing," said Ritz. "She has basically helped us make this tournament what it's supposed to be."

The Big Jack Derby is a catch-and-release tournament with some big prizes; according to Geddes, there is a minimum of $6,000 in prizes up for grabs, along with the bragging rights of who can nab the biggest fish. 

The weekend will conclude with a banquet at the Rochon Sands Hall on Sunday evening. 

While the Stettler Regional Board of Trade was foundational in the formation and running of the Big Jack Classic during its first three years, 2025 is the final year that it will be involved. 

The Board of Trade has been working with a partner committee which will take over the event in subsequent years. 

"We're super-excited for the team to take over," said Geddes. "Hopefully, it continues for another 25 years or longer."

For more information on the Big Jack Classic, check out bigjackclassic.ca.

 

 



Kevin Sabo

About the Author: Kevin Sabo

Kevin Sabo has been a resident of the Castor area for the last 12 years, first moving to the area in his previous career as an EMT.
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