BELWOOD – If you enjoy fishing, you might enjoy the Pike and Walleye Derby hosted by the Belwood and District Lions Club at Belwood Lake.
The derby takes place May 24 and 25, rain or shine, and there’s a total of $6,000 in prizes up for grabs.
Longest pike wins $2,000; longest walleye wins $1,500 and there are lesser cash prizes for second and third place winners.
All children under eight receive a fishing rod and reel for participating.
Event organizer Gord Hufnagel said Belwood Lake is known for its great fishing.
“It’s probably one of the most fished lakes in Ontario,” he said, because of its proximity to the GTA.
“It has a gravel bottom that’s great for walleye.”
This will be the 43rd edition of the derby and all proceeds go to the Groves Hospital Foundation to help purchase specialized equipment for the operating room.
The Lions Club has pledged $10,000 to the foundation, so a good turnout on derby days brings it closer to the mark.
Hufnagel said organizers added a second measuring station by Highland Pines Campground; the first is at the dock at Belwood Hall.
This will streamline the process – every fish is measured, photographed and then released.
“Every fish has to swim away or they don’t qualify,” he said.
Cost to enter is $45 for adults, $15 for youth aged 9 to 15, and free for those 8 and under.
Most fishers bring their own boats and the Lions will direct drivers to the boat launch.
Some fish off the shore, or from the bridge.
“First prize one year went to a guy in a paddleboat,” Hufnagel said. “But most people bring boats.”
Participants can register online or in person on derby days or on the Friday night before the derby. Visit pikederby.org for details.
