HH25 Recap | Harbour Harvest – Feb 16th, 2025. Thank you for your support!

December 5, 2025

Recap

As we put together our notes, we welcome you to share your feedback and pictures to dan@dropinsports.ca

Photo credits: Adi Garcia, and Luigi Liu
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Event Recap – A Snowy Success!

Several months of planning led to an unforgettable one-day event at the Nepean Sailing Club, where we planned to welcome over 550 registered participants. Despite the storm, an estimated 350 attendees made it out, including over 200 first-time anglers, who embraced the challenge with enthusiasm.

Our team of 50+ volunteers worked tirelessly—drilling more than 400 holes through 20 inches of ice, clearing snow, managing equipment, and ensuring that the event ran as smoothly as it could. A big thank you to the Nepean Sailing Club for having a warm place for refuge and preparing a warm and delicious pancake breakfasts all day!

Thanks to generous sponsorships and community support, we raised $6,130 for our two incredible charities, Ottawa Riverkeeper and Ottawa Community Housing Foundation, who continue to do vital work in environmental conservation and providing youth with access to recreational sports.

Overview

What an incredible day we had at the 8th Annual Harbour Harvest! Despite a major snowstorm and chilly -14°C weather, our amazing community of anglers, volunteers, and supporters came together to make this event one for the books.

The Harbour Scene

Despite the snowstorm, the event was filled with excitement, determination, and generosity. Some planned activities had to be adjusted, but the heart of the event—getting people out on the ice—remained strong.

One of the most rewarding aspects was seeing experienced anglers step up to support first-time participants, sharing their knowledge and ensuring that everyone had a great experience. The Ministry of Natural Resources’ Family Fishing Weekend also meant that no fishing licenses were required, making it the perfect time for newcomers to discover the joy of ice fishing.

A Huge Thank You!

This event wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication and hard work of our volunteers, sponsors, and partners. From those managing registration and on-ice stations to the behind-the-scenes logistics team, every effort was felt and deeply appreciated.

Special Volunteer Mentions:

Ice & Snow Crew – Don, Brandon, Kevin, Callum, and others who powered through drilling and shovelling ALL day. Although I think everyone picked up a shovel on this day, you guys were powerhouses.
On-Ice Management – Selena Aubin, Kye Dunn, Trevor & Aiden, John & Sosuke, Everett, Jack, Tanner, Jethro and others running key equipment, bait, and fish registering stations.
Tech & Leaderboard – Connor developed and managed our first digital leaderboard—giving participants real-time standings from anywhere!
Registration & Prizes – Karin and an incredible team managing check-in, prize distribution, and making it all run smoothly. Thank you Bell High School and Queens University for a strong contingent of amazing and energetic students, and thank you Lorri and Sheryl for the prep support and quilts even though you couldn’t make it out on event day!
Kids Craft zone – Thanks Ava, Simran, James, and Kyle for helping the kids get creative and posting their creatures on our sponsor mural!
Set up and Various tasks– Chris, Josh, Jake, Joel, Umar, and who can’t forget Omar, who took his “floater” role literally by diving into the icy waters for the Ice Safety & Rescue live demonstration (photo proof below)!
Photos and social – Thanks Laura, Luigi, and Adi for capturing special moments – We are sharing on Facebook.
Thanks Lisa for helping me with some key volunteer care and coordination,
And many more who I may have missed – including those that just popped by to shovel the evening before! You all played a crucial role, and we cannot thank you enough.

Acknowledging Our Incredible Partners

This event wouldn’t have been possible without the collaboration of our amazing partners and sponsors. They not only supported our fundraising goals but also played key roles in making the event a success.

Nepean Sailing Club – More than just a venue host and logistics support. These crew members led by James Pole were key to keeping the event running smoothly. I found this quote around King Canute and and it makes me think of your crew – “ The sea is too great a force to argue with – it is just what it is at that moment, and a sailor will simply adapt to it the best they can. They cannot fight it and they cannot give up. They just keep going, and usually with a smile on their face.”
Scouts Canada – 116th Nepean – Provided incredible logistical support, equipment, and even ran the on-ice hot drink zone! Andrew Jarabek was once again going above and beyond helping us “Be Prepared.”
Boreal River Rescue – Led the essential Ice Safety and Rescue demonstrations, teaching vital skills to participants. A true highlight and ensuring that everyone walks away with something valuable.
Ottawa Riverkeeper & Ottawa Community Housing Foundation – More than just beneficiaries, they were active supporters of the event.
McCluskey Group – Sponsored and provided hot chocolate and coffee to keep everyone warm.

A massive thank you to all of our partners for their dedication and commitment to making this event impactful!

The Winners + Prizes

Over $2,000 in prize money and $3,000 in donated prizes were awarded to lucky participants! Here are the top winners:

🏆 Biggest Fish AM: 29-inch pike Peter Huszcz
🏆 Biggest Fish PM: A tie! Two 34.5-inch pike took the top prize. Cory Reid and Doug Vandervelde

Other Winners:

🏆 Biggest Walleye (15”) – Jason Seymour
🏆 Biggest Panfish (5”) – Mark Da Costa
🏆 Biggest Perch (9”) – Cory Reid

🏆 Grand Slam Champion: Cory Reid, with a combined total of over 44 inches.

Participants also enjoyed a raffle, 50/50 draw, and fantastic prizes donated by our generous community sponsors.

FUNDS RAISED + SPONSORS

With a total of $6,130 raised for our charities, this event was not just about fun—it was about making a difference. This wouldn’t have been possible without our generous sponsors, who understood the value of this initiative and chose to be part of it.

A Huge Thank You to Our Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

silver sponsors

☕ Thanks again to the McCluskey Group for fuelling EVERYONE with free Tim Hortons coffee and hot chocolate all day!

And our Prize donors:
Sail, Rapala, Level Six, 116th Nepean Scouting Group, The Brew Table, Staples, Ralph & Sons Diner, Crystal Beach Dental, Fishing Pigeon Angling Adventures, One Whole Life, Ottawa Boat and Outdoor Show, The Ontario Federation of Anglers & Hunters, and many more anonymous and purchases made from last year’s reserved funds!

Looking Ahead to 2026

We are already preparing for the 9th Annual Harbour Harvest on February 15, 2026, and we’re determined to make it even better—hopefully with clearer skies! But we need your input to help shape next year’s event. Participants have been emailed a survey or email us know what you’d love to see in 2026.

We’re also looking for volunteers and event leaders to join our team. I plan to build a team with leaders. Interested? I would love to hear from you.

Stay Connected

📌 Facebook: @dropinsports.ca
📌 Instagram: @dropinsports
📌 Email: dan@dropinsports.ca

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated, volunteered, sponsored, and supported Harbour Harvest 2025. This event was a true testament to the power of community. See you next year! 🎣 ❄️
#HarbourHarvest #FishingForAll #ThankYouAll

In the media:
In case you missed it, here is a short 3 min radio clip featuring me (Dan) and Pranav from Ottawa Community Housing Foundation that aired on CBC the day before the event: Ice Fishing Derby at Nepean Sailing Club | In Town and Out | On Demand | CBC Listen

See more photos of the event on our Facebook page!