Maine Scouts hit the frozen lakes on Free Fishing Weekend

PHOTO: Cub Scout Jack Poulin and Oakland Pack 454 leader Willie LeHay prepare for fishing on Messalonskee. (Submitted photo)

SIDNEY – Area Scouts, proving the adage that “A Scout is thrifty,” took advantage of Free Fishing Weekend Feb. 19-20, donning their winter gear, grabbing their fishing equipment and taking to the ice. Some even won area ice fishing competitions.

“We had a dozen to 15 Scouts and siblings out on the ice of Messalonskee Lake,” said Oakland Cub Pack 454 Cubmaster Willie LeHay. He said the largest fish caught was a 7.41 pound Northern pike caught by Austin Cline, who is a Lion Cub Scout and had never even been on a frozen lake before.
“It was totally fun out there,” said parent Bruce Harrington.
Parent Emily Poulin echoed many of the moms and dads when she said, “My kids had so much fun.”
Pittsfield Cub Scout Pack 428 had Scouts out on the ice both days. On Saturday, they fished at Great Moose Lake in Hartland and on Sunday they were on the ice at Indian Lake in St. Albans. This was part of Hartland Fire Department’s annual Ice Fishing Derby. Lucas Doughty came in second overall in his age category for pulling up four yellow perch.
In Vassalboro, Webelos Scout Elliott Rafuse won first place in the smallmouth bass category and third in the children’s category for his brown trout as part of the Vassalboro Business Association Fishing Derby on Three Mile Pond on Feb. 13. The Scouts helped sell chili at the event as a fundraiser for pack activities.
Kevin Hart of West Gardiner Troop 613 reported that all of the Scouts and siblings had a great time on the ice on Free Fishing Weekend. Ben Johnston received his Life Scout rank during a unique and brief ceremony in front of the ice shack on Little Cobbossee in Winthrop.