Impressive 43¾” Catch at the 2011 Union Fishing Derby.

The CT State Prison Employee’s Union (AFSCME Local Union #391) sponsored their bi-annual Ice Fishing Derby today on Hamilton Reservoir. It is “no fish tail” when I say it was a HUGE success! Michael Olbrich proudly showing his prize winner, a 43-3/4 inch, 23lb Northern Pike
Already at about 8:30 in the morning a 23lb 13oz Northern Pike was lured up from the chilly depths! Power Auger
This fish was a MONSTER! It took two people and some special equipment to even get the fish out of the little 6 inch ice fishing hole.
Mike Olbrich made the lucky catch. And his fish was officially recorded as 23.13 pounds, and an amazing 43¾ inches! The fact that such a big fish was caught so early in the day did not deter any of the fishermen from continuing their personal quest for the “big one.”

There were 66 registered participants in the Derby including five kids and several women. Participants paid an entrance fee of $10.00. The CT State Prison Employee’s Union that sponsors the event is a non profit organization. The Union itself purchases and donates the prizes. Any proceeds goes towards helping Union Members in crisis.
Prizes are awarded in two categories: Child and Adult. The prizes are quite nice and today’s selection included ice augers, sleds, poles, and tip-ups. There were prizes for 1st 2nd and 3rd in the children’s category and the adult category awarded prizes for about a dozen fish.
Natalie Dix (the only woman with a prize winning catch) went home with a nice manual ice auger. Clearly she is going to continue ice fishing!

The Union Derby ran until 3pm. Needless to say, Mike Olbrich’s Northern Pike was impossible to beat and stayed in the number one slot all day and won the derby.
Camp of Michael Olbrich and his friends
Joe Vecchitto, Vice President of the CT State Prison Employee’s Union recorded the length and weight of each fish, (you win, by the way, on weight.) Joe also maintained the white board showing the top catches of the day. Joe told me after the Derby that the event brings members together; it is a fun day, and they especially try to make it fun for the kids.
With the Derby officially ended, Carl Badeau, Union Derby President, announced all of the winners calling each winner up to make their prize selection.

Top three winners in each category were as follows:

    ADULTS:
  1. Mike Olbrich, 23.13lb 43¾ inch Northern Pike.
  2. Scott Cable, 4lb 18 inch Large Mouth Bass.
  3. Scott Cowles, 3.5lb 22 inch Pickerel.


    4. KIDS:
  4. Trey Kneeskern, 2.3lb 20¾ inch Pickerel.
  5. Mike Gotta, 1.9lb 18 inch Pickerel,
    (Mike won the Derby last year).
  6. Jack Apointe, 1.9lb 17½ inch Pickerel.
10 year old Trey Keeskern, winner of the derby in the kids category
I had the opportunity to speak to Trey Kneeskern in the morning at about 10:30am (before he knew he would be the winner in the kid’s category.) He held a tape measure on the prize Northern Pike for me for one of my photos.
Trey is 10 years old; he loves to fish, he had 14 flags go up already and was on the board with a 1lb Pickerel. Later in the day he bumped himself out of 3rd place and into first when he caught his 2.3lb winner! Well done Trey! Joe Vecchietto, Union Vice President (left), and Carl Badeau, Union President (right)
The Union Fishing Derby is for a good cause. It supports local business here in Holland and the event is an opportunity for Union Members to bond and have fun with their families and friends.
Next year the event will be held at Congamond Lake in Southwick Mass; then back to Holland in 2013. Both venues allow fisherman with either a MA or CT state fishing license to fish their ponds which is why these ponds have been chosen to host the Union Derbies. Just minutes too late, his catch had potential, but the Derby was over.




















At 3:01 PM, a fish was brought up that looked like he could have challenged 2nd place, unfortunately time had expired.

January 22, 2011, Dana Manning

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Ice fishing (drinking) accident on Hamilton Reservoir.
Holland Rod and Gun Club fishing derby.
Connecticut Prison Guard Fishing Derby on Hamilton Reservoir.