Codspeed! Fishing derby begins in Iqaluit

Dozens of Iqaluit residents flocked to the ice around the Causeway as the annual cod derby got underway Friday.

Now in its third year, the derby is expected to lure hundreds of people to the sea ice over the Victoria Day long weekend in a competition to see who can catch the longest cod.

The crowd on the ice was small early Friday afternoon as the derby opened and people made their way out on the ice by foot and snowmobile. However, organizers say more than 400 people registered in advance and they hope to have more than 800 walk-up registrations throughout the weekend.

“I’m hoping a thousand people register,” said Malaiya Lucassie, one of the organizers.

“I’m excited to see our elders coming because the majority of our elders can’t travel long distances, so they could come here and enjoy the weekend of fishing.”

The grand prize this year is a new snowmobile.

It will go to the person who catches the longest cod. If two people have cod of the same length, the angler who caught the heavier fish will be the winner.

There are also cash prizes for runners-up, and special prizes for the oldest and youngest person to catch a cod. There is even a prize for the smallest cod caught.

While many people in Iqaluit were still busy with work Friday, a few eager first-time derby participants were ready to hit the ice as soon as the competition opened.

Josh Komangapik headed to the Causeway early Friday afternoon with some friends and colleagues.

Having brought a piece of wood with some fishing line attached to it, Komangapik said he hopes to jig some cod to bring back to his family.

Josh Komangapik shows off his gear before heading out on the ice for the Cod Derby Friday. (Photo by Jeff Pelletier)

“I hope to catch some fish to bring back to my mom, and maybe win some stuff,” he said.

“I’m excited to have a good time.”

Mathieu Perreault was also among the first to make it onto the ice, along with his brother Simon and nephew Antoine.

He said he’s excited to spend the long weekend fishing with family.

“I usually spend my time in the winter outside all the time, so this is nice to be out there,” Perreault said.

Fishing on Friday goes until 10 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday, fishing is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and on Monday it’s open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The derby will end with a closing ceremony at the Causeway.

With the long weekend to look forward to, Lucassie said all are welcome to fish, win some prizes and enjoy some food on the ice.

“I’m very excited, I can’t wait until Monday, I want to see who wins the top prize,” she said. “The more the merrier, come hang out.”