It was an early morning start to the day on Saturday, June 28, with a pancake breakfast held at Moose Creek Regional Park beginning at 6 a.m. for the numerous fishing enthusiasts found attending the Alameda Community Rink's 18th Annual Fishing Derby and Supper.
As people enjoyed the breakfast, boats were launched and moored nearby, so when 8 a.m. neared they were able to already be ready on the water to take off to their favourite spots around the lake to pull in the biggest Northern Pike they could.
When the starting marker of fireworks were lit they were off. A total of 330 adults and 55 youth participated in the fishing derby, while the majority of these were all registered by 9 a.m. there were many who waited until later in the day to join as the derby concluded at 4 p.m.
With fishers known to be a resilient group, they were out enjoying time with their rods and the company of family and friends despite the rain which had settled in for the day.
With fishing having commenced at 8 a.m. it wasn't quite an hour in when the first fish caught of the day was rushed to shore to be weighed. Young fisherman, Rocco Perrot, brought in a 4.55 lbs catch.
In the end the prize money went to the top eight in the adult division and the top six in the youth division. Jeff Cameron took first place and $2,000 for catching a fish weighing18.9 lbs and measuring 44.5 inches long. Thus, he also had the longest Northern Pike amongst fish brought in as well. This is not always the case as Darin McNabb, one of the organizers, explained that males are longer than females, so a female could weigh more but not be in the running for the longest fish. Second place of $1,000 went to Jesse McLeod with a fish weighing in at 18.4 lbs. Third and fourth place finishers each won $500: Jim Howard caught a 12.85 lbs fish and Nate Smart reeled in a 12 lbs fish. Fifth to eighth places were then awarded $250. This saw Marko Tello bring in an 11.55 lbs Northern Pike, Terry Leiche pulled an 11.35 lbs fish, Ralph Smart reeled in a 10.9 lbs pike, and Josh Michel took eight place with a fish weighing10 lbs.
Youth took home prize money as well with first place going to Trey Michel who won $200 for a 7.8 lbs pike. For second place, $100 was won by Kaitlyn Hansen with a fish weighing 7 lbs. Third place then earned $75, which made Preston Sibley a little richer after catching 4.6 lbs fish.
Fourth place through sixth also won cash as Rocco Perrot brought in a 4.55 lbs pike, Hannah Dietze pulled a 4.2 lbs fish from Alameda Dam, and Dorren Lesy presented a 3.65 lbs fish. These three all received $50 for their efforts from the day.
In addition to the entry in the fishing derby the registration fee also guaranteed youth a door prize, while adults had their names in for 140 prizes. Registration also included a BBQ beef supper, which was enjoyed by all.
McNabb explained that the fish derby is the main fundraiser for the Alameda Rink. Though they do not have a final figure from this year yet, it is expected to again be another success possibly bringing in more than $15,000 though expenses are still being paid and a final tally added up.
Over the last three years, McNabb also said that the volunteers on the rink board have been able to put in approximately $275,000. Renovations to the kitchen were recently completed as was the work on the zamboni room, while they have also installed a new broiler.
Now one of their main projects has developed after the floor was insulated years ago. Following the insulation of the floor, water now pools on the surface and a dehumidifier system is being looked into which costs near $50,000.
With the encouragement and support of the community and businesses, the volunteers who organized the fishing derby were again successful in perpetuating the legacy of the rink culture in Alameda.
