Hoffman Estates ice fishing derby draws anglers of all ages

About 60 winter anglers turned out Sunday for the Hoffman Estates Park District's annual Catch and Release Ice Fishing Derby at South Ridge Park.

Prizes were awarded in kid and adult categories, for both longest and smallest fish as well as most variety of species caught.

Park district employees drilled the holes and provided equipment for those who needed it.

"We're trying to make it more accessible for everyone and get more people in to the sport," said Kyle Goddard, athletics manager for the park district. "We're hoping people who haven't tried it before get a chance and have some fun."

Goddard measured and recorded each fish caught, including a fourteen-inch largemouth bass hauled in by 11-year-old Oliver Harcarik.

Harcarik posed for pictures with his catch before dropping it in one of the release holes. A seasoned fisherman, he said this was his second year at the derby.

"It's fun, I really like it," he said.