Unlikely Winner at UWW Ice Fishing Jamboree
Over thirty local ice fisherman ventured out onto Lake Beulah in hopes of catching the fish that would win them the $100 prize in the 8th annual UW-Whitewater fishing team’s Ice Fishing Jamboree fundraiser.
The angler with the who registered the largest fish, and the winner of the $100 cash prize, was Chuck Nelson, of Delavan, who brought in a 36 inch Pike.
Double D’s Pub and Eatery in Mukwonago was the epicenter of the all day raffles for everything from ice fishing gear to custom meats. Double D’s also served as the check in station for the fisherman and their catch.
The UW-Whitewater fishing team welcomed the mild temperatures on Saturday as they had had bitter cold temperatures in 2016 that were a factor in last years poor turnout.
“After last year we really couldn’t have asked for better weather,” said senior Steve Nebel, president of the UW-Whitewater Fishing Team. “It’s been cold enough that we have safe Ice, and the warm sunny day definitely helped the turn out”.
Expecting a larger turnout, the team stocked up on more prizes than years past in an effort to give everyone a chance at winning something.
According to Nebel, the team reaches out to their sponsors each year for the majority of the prizes for the raffle, including the grand prize, a propane fueled power ice auger.
Raffle tickets were sold on campus as well as at Double D’s all day leading up to the drawing for the auger, as well as fishing rods, branded sweatshirts, and more ice fishing gear.
Besides Nelson, the big winner was 3-month-old, Eric Taylor whose father, Paul, filled out a raffle ticket with Eric’s name on it.
“I think I was more excited than him (Eric) when they called his name. I just hope he lets me use it,” said Taylor.
Nebel, and the team agreed that they considered the fundraiser a success, and hope that they get another mild day with safe ice again next year.