Several factors were taken into consideration in making the decision of postponing the event, which was discussed by a group of people, and receiving input from others on the professional ice fishing end of things. Part of these reasons included:
1. Worsening ice conditions, with warm weather and high wind forecast for the next 3 days, warmer water temperature, and level fluctuation due to the rising levels of the Rock River, which controls the water table in the RICC lakes.
2. Sending several people out in all directions on 3 lakes that may have unknown safety issues, some of which could be triggered with excessive amounts of weight in a single area.
3. Insurance factors.
4. Sponsors’ wanting a totally safe event.
5. Damage to grounds from vehicles where the frost is leaving.
6. Safety for everyone.
As Troy Eacker, RICC president, said, “It is better to postpone this event, and have it as a fun open water shoreline tournament, than have the possibility of just one accident that could turn it into a tragic event.”
Persons may take the risk and go fishing for pleasure on their own decision. However, when having an organized event that has a good reputation for safety and pleasure, and involves many people of all ages and experience levels, with the addition of sponsors’ reputations to consider, it is extremely important and responsible to make the correct decisions.
Stay tuned for further updates as the newly schedule winter fishing tournament comes closer to the date of March 3.