Squawfish Derby
From the Gill and Gift, www.gillandgift.com, in Balfour on Kootenay Lake
"Hey kids! time to sign up for the 11 Annual Squawfish Derby at the Gill and Gift. The derby is open to all kids up to 15 years of age. This year, and every year hereafter the derby will be held on the Saturday of the long weekend. This year it will be on Aug. 31. To register, call 250-229-2113 or drop in at the Gill and Gift at the ferry landing.
The derby starts at 7 a.m. We will be at the store giving out some starter things for kids to fish with. Just bring your own rod. Late entries are OK but make sure you register at the event. Signing up early is best because we have to make sure there are enough prizes for everyone. Because there is a bait ban in the arm, lures and red wool may have to suffice. We have been trying to work with ministry to get that changed but so far have not totally succeeded. We now have a request in to the minister herself to see if she can do anything.
The derby continues until 2 p.m., when we wind up with a family BBQ and prizes and goodies for every kid entered. There will be trophies for the third largest fish and the three kids with the most fish caught that day. All fish must be caught in Kootenay Lake and must be the squawfish or suckers and must be dead when brought in.And remember kids, game fish will not be counted, so keep it alive and gently hold it in the water so it can swim back into the lake if you catch one. If you do not know your fish see the rules with the way to tell if your fish is a coarse fish or not. The rule guide will be at Gill and Gift as well on derby day.
Rule guide:
* All fish must be caught in Kootenay Lake on derby day between dawn and before final weigh in closes at 2:15 p.m.;
* All fish must be classified a coarse fish, squawfish and suckers are what we find in the arm the squawfish has very big lips and the suckers have a vacuum cleaner looking mouth at the bottom of their face;
* Entrants must be a child 0-15 years old, girl or boy, local or visitor Adults may help very small children but the child must hold the rod mostly while fishing and be present during the catch. Adults may aid the child if it is needed but it is not a contest for adults to try to get their children in the prizes. The idea is to let the kids learn about fishing and have fun even if you do not catch a fish. There are goodies and prizes for every child whether they catch a fish or not.
* All fishermen ( girls and boys ) must follow the fishing regulations these are available at Gill and Gift. There is no limits on the kind of fish we are fishing for.In photo: 2013 derby winners Rachel Erickson, who caught 34 fish, and Carter Huscroft, who landed a two-pounder.
Author: AnglersAtlas