Cale Selby of Elora kicked off the annual pike derby at 6:50am on a very chilly Saturday morning by registering a 23-3/4” catch at the Belwood Hall Derby headquarters.
From that point on, Northern Pike were put up on the board every hour of the day for a total 30 on Saturday alone.
A much warmer Sunday was a totally different story as only seven more qualifying Pike made it to the board by 4pm.
More than 535 men, women and children from across southern Ontario entered the two-day tournament.
Adult prize winners
First prize went to Gary Bilton, Georgetown, 29-1/4” – measured at 8:20am Sunday. He earned a trophy and $2,000 cash.
Steve Welker of Guelph, earned second prize with a 29” catch measured at 7:30am Saturday. He earned a fishing charter on Lake Ontario.
Third prize went to Becker Nguyen of Guelph. His 28-1/2” fish was measured at 2:45pm Saturday. He earned a Lowrance Fish Finder donated by Lake Belwood Recreation – a 35 yr. sponsor.
Andrew Kovats of Cambridge placed fourth with a 28” catch measured at 5:45pm Saturday. The prize was a Quantum Rod & Reel .
For the youth category, first prize went to Jesse Bowman, Drayton, a 22-3/4” catch measured at 9:am Saturday. He earned a trophy and a Fenwick Fishing System donated by Royal City Fishing Club – a 15 yr. sponsor.
There was also a “Toy Scramble” for the children under eight.
Early Bird winner was Wayne Mills of Brampton and the 50/50 draw winner was Don Lizzotti of Thorold ($300.00).
The chainsaw draw winner was Richard Austin of Woodstock.
