Teresa Molloy's first experience ice fishing was when she was a teenager. The Mississauga resident's next time out was during the second annual 'Ice Fishing for the Cure' derby, in support of the Canadian Cancer Society.
Not only did she catch her first fish, during the Family Day long weekend event, but her 15 and a half inch walleye turned out to be the big winner.
"It was my daughter and myself. Our lines got crossed and we kind of caught it together. It's been great," said Molloy.
It was daughter Ciara Menzie 's first time ice fishing.
"It was fun to catch a fish for the first time. It's something I'll probably do annually."
Molloy released the walleye back into Lake Nipissing, and donated her prize money to the North Bay branch of the Canadian Cancer Society. The derby raised just over $800 for the local branch.
Molloy's son, Sean Menzie, started the derby last year.
"I'm from Mississauga, and ice fishing isn't really too common down there, so it was nice to see my mom out here, and the surprise on her face when she actually pulled the fish out was pretty amazing," laughed Menzie.
Mom Teresa fully supports her son's fundraising efforts.
"We're really proud of Sean. He has dedicated so much time getting this organized with all his friends. He has always had a good heart when it comes to helping the Cancer Society. I'm in healthcare and it is something that touches so many families in so many ways. This derby brings people together, and it brings about awareness."
Menzie has watched friends battle the disease.
"I'm out here for a few close friends that unfortunately passed away from cancer a couple years back. Unfortunately, everybody knows someone who is affected by cancer, and ice fishing is just a passion that I have. I'm out here most days, so this was just an idea where I thought, the North Bay community is really into ice fishing, so what about having an experience where people come out on a weekend, where they can fish licence free, enjoy some time with the family and raise a little bit of awareness and make some money for the Cancer Society?"
Roughly 30 people registered for the fundraiser.
On this day, the fish were a little too quick for Greg Hotte.
"I actually just lost one a few minutes ago. I didn't even get to see it. It was something with good weight though, but that's how it goes."
Hotte says there is a history of cancer in his family.
"It's a very good cause. I think it's worthwhile being here, and it gets you out for the day."
A little further down the lake, Mike Bennett waits patiently, trying to add to the two perch, two others in his group have already caught.
"I haven't been fishing in a number of years, so it's nice to have my daughter and some family and friends out. We're having a great time," said Bennett.
"It's nice to help out."
This was the second time ice fishing for Bennett's seven-year-old daughter Lylah, who was more interested in playing in the snow.
"I like the minnows. We caught two fish, but I don't like to eat fish," said the youngster.
Of the two perch caught, one measured 11 inches, the other 8 1/4 inches.
Jenny Salter's catch earned her some bragging rights.
"It was a very baby sized fish, but I still caught it. I'm happy about it. I'm going to take a lot of pictures. I never really caught anything ice fishing so, hurray," laughed Salter.
"It's nice to get out and get some fresh air. It's a good cause, and I'm glad to be out here supporting it. I have had some family members who passed away from cancer, so it is important for sure."
The event organizer is pleased to see the derby grow. Menzie is in his third and final year of studies at Nipissing University, but it doesn't mean the end of the derby.
"You can do a lot of the organizing from home, so social media definitely helped a lot with getting the word out. It's good to see that you can organize it from a bit of a distance, and that's what I plan on doing."
Menzie says donations are still being accepted online at www.icefishingforthecure.ca for a few more days.
