John James of Shelburne kicked off the 36th annual Belwood Lions Pike Derby at 6:05am on May 28, by registering a 22.25-inch northern pike at the derby headquarters here.
Skies were clear and temperatures warm on the way to a scorching hot afternoon and record-setting fish numbers. A total of 61 pike 22 inches and over were registered during the two-day tournament, a far cry from the three pike caught in the entire 2011 derby.
More than 530 men, women and children from across south-western Ontario entered the derby and were rewarded with good fishing.
There were eight qualifiers caught by the youth division alone (8 to 14 yrs.).
Adult prize winners included:
– 1st prize, $2,000 cash and a trophy, Clayton Michaud of Orangeville, 29”;
– 2nd prize, six-hour Lake Ontario fishing charter for four, Andrew Keating of Elora, 29”;
– 3rd prize, electronic fish finder, Allen Spies of Elora, 28.5”; and
4th prize Quantum rod and reel – Gord Johnson of Elmira 28.25”.
Youth winners were:
– 1st place, trophy and an assortment of fishing gear provided by Royal City Fishing Club of Guelph, Abby Billings, Guelph, 26”;
– 2nd place, assorted fishing gear, Colton Forsyth of Mississauga, 23.5”;
– 3rd place, Raven King of Orangeville, 23.25”; and
– 4th place, Cristen Wilson of Fergus, 22.75”.
All youth entrants received an award and all children under 8 participated in a toy scramble.
Draw winners included:
– Early bird – Endi Kore, St. Anns, six-hour fishing charter for four;
– 50/50 – Doug Quinn, Kitchener, $230;
– Stihl chainsaw, Rob Wilson, Fergus;
– Stihl leaf blower Gilles Bigeau, Mississauga; and
– one week northern Ontario fishing trip, Mike Keeler, East Garafraxa.
