HoCA Ice Fishing Contest

The 9th Annual HoCA (Howard Cancer Association) Ice Fishing Contest had over 100 individuals participate. Organizer of the event Steve Lickteig said, “We raised $3,500 for HoCA this year. That makes it about $14,000 raised since we started.”

The winner this year was Levi Henry, who caught a 37-inch northern pike, donated his winnings back to HoCA. Mike Gebel took second with an 18-inch bass. 

In this tournament, a person doesn’t have to get the biggest or longest fish to win a prize. Jennalee Pedretti won $300 by catching smallest blue gill!

Dave Carroll was the winner of the 50/50 raffle. He bought drinks all around and donated the rest back to HoCA!

Lickteig said, “The event is a good excuse to have a fishing tournament for a good cause. Everybody knows somebody who has had cancer, and the money stays local.”

He started the tournament in 2014 because he loves fishing, although he doesn’t have time to fish during this contest since he is in charge. “I’ve always fished. My dad and grandpa took me fishing.”

Lickteig  can’t do the tournament alone. He appreciates the help he gets from friends and other fishing enthusiasts. Cresco Country Club opens its doors to be the welcoming center. His parents, Don and Jackie Lickteig help and take care of the food.

Lickteig adds he likes this tournament as it is a good, social event. “Besides, there is a nice body of water just sitting there. Why not use it?”

He always gets a good turnout for HoCA, so he plans to do it again next year!