Doug May, Jr. began what was - and still is - a friendly competition between 10 fishermen 19 years ago. They got together and decided the winner of the first Pike-O-Rama winner would be the person pulling the biggest pike out of the waters in an area lake.

 

They held their 19th annual Pike-O-Rama on Elk Lake Jan. 27 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a cast of 120 fisherpersons, 20 of them women, with an additional category for kids under 12.

Reports are it was their largest-ever turnout.

 

Entry fees - $10 per entrant - have always been thrown into a pot, with the various winners sharing in it.

 

There have been five awards given out, with 1st Place going to the person with the heaviest three-fish limpt; 2nd Place, heaviest single pike; 3rd Place, most fish caught; a Womens champion; and a Childrens champion.

 

And there are “door” prizes, collected by Doug, Jr. and his fellow competitors. Others are purchased by Doug and his family, which includes his cousin, Ryan Bermel and his parents, Mary and Doug May, Sr..

 

This year’s Pike-O-Rama featured the first fish caught by a kid in the 19 years of the event.

 

So, what’s it all about? Having fun in the wintertime.

 

Jeff Reiner won $351 for first place; Nick Schendal won $211 for second place; Gary Jedlicka won $140 for third place. Madison Ellis was the womens champion and Carter Shermak was kids champion.