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| 3/12/2010 12:12:00 PM | Email this article • Print this article |
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| At the conclusion of the fisheree, volunteer Mike Lynch calls out the raffle prizes from the back of a truck on Lake Tomahawk.
Contributed photo |
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Lake Tomahawk Family Fisheree reels in bigger crowd each year
Four years ago, Lake Tomahawk residents Gary Drossart and Sharon Chaussee thought area children were spending too much time in front of the TV and not enough time outside. Instead of lamenting over it, they held an ice fishing outing for family and friends, and the Lake Tomahawk Family Fisheree was born.
"Our intention was to get kids off the couch and off the street and go fishing with their parents," Drossart said.
The event began as a quiet affair because Drossart said he didn't think they had the volunteer manpower for a big tournament.
"But then people showed up that we didn't even know, and it's grown bigger and bigger every year," Drossart said.
Though Chaussee passed away in December of 2008, Drossart and a handful of friends continue the annual fisheree tradition.
The 100 percent payback fisheree, held Feb. 20 near the boat landing at the town bay on Lake Tomahawk, had 175 registrants. He said three years ago 79 people registered, and there were 129 in 2009.
Families from as far away as Ironwood, Mich., and Green Bay came to fish the tournament this year.
The tournament prizes were geared mostly toward the kids, though there were two adult divisions that received payouts. The children's divisions were paid out in eight places.
The total payout was $2,000.
"This year, we received so many donations that I was able to give every kid who caught a fish beyond eighth place a $10 bill," Drossart said.
Dee Trunnel of Woodruff brought her kids, Madyson, 6, and Aaron, 11, to the fisheree. Both kids caught fish with the help of fisheree volunteer Rob Royle.
"It was really nice because I wouldn't have known how to teach the kids about ice fishing," Trunnel said. "They really do such a good job there. There's hot cocoa, a potluck and they do everything they can to make it fun for the kids and to make the kids comfortable."
Drossart and friends cooked a barbecue at the free potluck with meat donated by T.J.'s Butcher Block and the Lake Tomahawk Meat Market. They also served two hot soups, made and donated by some of the elders in the community.
The Lake Tomahawk Fire Department brought a fire truck for the children to explore. They were allowed to sound the horns and the sirens.
"When we were fishing I couldn't figure out why we kept hearing sirens," Trunnel said. When measuring their catches at the registration station, they saw the truck and Aaron wasted no time climbing aboard.
An ice shack was used as a warming station at the fisheree and Drossart and friends brought augers and drilled holes for anyone who didn't have the means. A release hole was made for those wishing to release their catches.
Area businesses and organizations didn't hesitate to pitch in for door prizes when Drossart and friends went door to door one Saturday. Residents of Lake Tomahawk and beyond reached into their pockets and gave personal donations.
All the money raised went toward the payout.
"A lot of people helped pay for this," Drossart said. "We raised above and beyond what I expected."
Drossart said the only changes he plans on for next year's fisheree is the recruitment of more volunteers.
The fisheree is held the third Saturday of each February and is always on Lake Tomahawk near the town bay boat landing.
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