The 11th annual Elliot Lake Ice Fishing Derby has come and gone for the 2018 season.
There were over 490 competitors at this year's event and cars started lining the sides of highway 108 early in the morning so competitors could secure their perfect fishing spot for the derby.
This year's derby was a success, says Elliot Lake Chief Administrative Officer, Dan Gagnon.
"We had 499 registrants," he said. "The grand prize winner was Ronald Nadon with a 67.5 cm pike. There were well over 200 fish caught. An overall great success."
He left Horne Lake today with the grand prize of $24,950.
Nadon, a long time Elliot Lake resident, said he wasn't sure what he was going to do with his winnings.
"To be honest, I have no clue, yet, what I want to spend this money on," he said. "Maybe a trip or a car. No clue yet."
Mayor Dan Marchisella was on deck to hand the winnings over to Nadon, congratulating him on a job well done.
"The best part was the fun everyone had today," he said. "Hope you spend this to treat yourself. You deserve it."
Windsor residents Eddy Parent and Brett Fitzgerald said they love fishing and enjoy the company of Elliot Lake residents.
"I've been coming here for this derby for roughly five years now and every year, it gets better and better," said Parent. "I love coming here. The atmosphere is great and people are always so friendly. It's a nice community. I love ice fishing. It's fun, relaxing and it's neat to see what kind of fish people get."
Fitzgerald echoed Parent's sentiments and said he can't wait for next year's event.
"I'm already planning next year's trip," he said. "Hope the fish will bite."