Plenty of pike at 36th annual derby

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.