WEBSTER, Mass. - The cold temperatures this weekend made for great conditions to ice fish on Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg.
The Nipmuc Water Ski Club held their second-annual ice fishing tournament fundraiser on the frozen lake.
Contestants were able to win cash prizes for the largest fish caught in bass, pickerel, trout and panfish categories. Local shops donated prizes as well.
About 80 people made it out each day for the two-day event.
They were encouraged to release the fish back in the lake after the weigh-in.
After a stretch of warm days, the club is happy they were able to have the event and get out on the ice.
“It’s great because we get to see the sunrise, if you want you can see the sun going down. It just makes you feel good to be out here," tournament director Jesse Reilly said. "And everyone is happy. It’s all for a great cause and we’re going to be able to go a little bigger this year because of it.”
In addition to raising funds for the Nipmuc Water Ski Club's youth activities, a portion of the money will be donated to the Woodstock Connecticut Lions Club.
Jesse says ice fishing has become more popular in recent years through social media.