FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 14, 2026
Hoople Bay Near Ingleside, Ontario
Friends of Hoople Creek Society Celebrates Successful 4th Annual Ice Fishing Tournament
The Friends of Hoople Creek Society (FOHC) volunteers were pleased with the very strong turnout for their 4th Annual Ice Fishing Tournament, held Saturday, February 14, 2026, on Hoople Bay near Ingleside, Ontario.
Under bright morning sunshine and beautiful spring-like temperatures, 177 registered participants gathered on the ice to celebrate Family Day weekend with friends and family. Recent cold weather ensured safe ice conditions, supporting participants, their ice huts, and in some cases even their vehicles — transforming the bay into a lively winter village.
FOHC Director and Tournament Official Travis Read reported that anglers began early, each hoping to secure the perfect fishing spot and reel in one of the day’s largest catches. FOHC officials and volunteers were on hand throughout the morning to ensure fair play and accurate measurement of all entries.
Cash prizes of $1,000 were awarded for the longest Northern Pike, largest Yellow Perch, and largest Walleye. This year’s winners were:
• Largest Northern Pike (82.0 cm): Eric Sypes
• Largest Walleye (21.3 cm): John Caldwell
• Largest Yellow Perch (31.0 cm): Jacqueline Maye
A total of 151 fish were measured during the tournament, including 10 Northern Pike, 6 Walleye, and 135 Yellow Perch. Mr. Read stated, “I was particularly pleased that most fishers released their catches to help replenish local fish stocks.”
At the prize award ceremony held at the South Stormont Township Hall, FOHC President John Sliter expressed how extremely pleased the organization was with the day’s success. “This marked the first tournament in several years in which Walleye were caught — an encouraging sign for the Society’s conservation efforts,” said Sliter. “Our work is far from done and only highlights the importance of FOHC’s ongoing efforts to support sustainable fish populations in Hoople Bay.”
Sliter further noted, “Tournament data, including fish measurements and species counts, will be provided to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, the Raisin River Conservation Authority, and the St. Lawrence River Institute to support ongoing fisheries research and conservation initiatives.”
He also expressed sincere appreciation to the many local business sponsors whose generous support made the event possible. “The strong sense of community spirit was evident throughout this Family Day weekend,” Sliter added.
Event photos for media use are available through Mr. Pat English at: [photos]
In the spirit of the current ongoing winter Olympics, each of the 1st prize winners were awarded a gold medal by FOHC President John Sliter.
Left to right – John Sliter, Eric Sypes, Jaqueline Maye, John Caldwell
Special Note: The photo participants signed declaration agreeing to FOHC supplying photo to local media outets.
Media Contact:
John Sliter
President
Friends of Hoople Creek Society
Phone: 613-534-2739
Email: HoopleCreek@cogeco.ca
Friends of Hoople Creek 
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