Pangnirtung sculpin derby draws fishers to the ice
Two-hour-long derby held Dec. 28 with top prize of $3,000 for biggest catch
The Pangnirtung hunters and trappers organization hosted a sculpin derby on Dec. 28, drawing people of all ages to the ice for two hours of fishing fun. (Photo courtesy of Lena Qaapik)

Pangnirtung resident Maggie Alivaktuk and her two-year old daughter Avery Bonnie Alivaktuk pose proudly in front of their fishing hole at the sculpin derby. (Photo courtesy of Lena Qaapik)
The ice off Pangnirtung became a gathering spot Dec. 28 as fishers of all ages took part in a sculpin derby, hosted by the local hunters and trappers organization.
With more than a foot of ice beneath their feet, participants jigged their lines from 10 a.m. to noon, said Lena Qaapik, the hamlet’s planning and lands administrator.
The derby’s big winner was Tony Nauyuq, who reeled in a 41.8-centimetre-long sculpin and received a $3,000 cash prize, Mark Kilabuk, manager of the Pangnirtung HTO, said in an email.
Rita Mike followed closely, earning $2,000 for her 41.3-centimetre fish, while Joseph Kilabuk secured $1,500 for a 40.5-centimetre catch.
The remaining four winners earned cash prizes ranging from $250 to $1,000 for sculpin that were between 38.5 and 40 centimetres long.
Additional special prizes were awarded to Jimmy Kullualik for the smallest sculpin, measuring 13.5 centimetres, earning him $500; and Lisa Nauyuk, who won $500 for catching the longest cod.
The sculpins that were caught served as food for local dogs or ravens, Qaapik said.
Sculpins are small, prehistoric-looking fish that feed at the ocean bottom. According to the Canadian Encyclopedia, they generally grow to between five and 20 centimetres long, although some species approach one metre.
Many Nunavummiut know the fish by its Inuktitut name kanajuq, an extremely boney fish that stick in fishing nets near rocky parts of the shore or river.
Happy days ! Awesome hto organization you have over there in the east ! Over west here were struggling for events like that ! Lol happy new year !