Organized by the Rapides des Joachims-Outdoorsmen Association (RDJOA), the event consisted of a contest where participants hit the water trying to catch the biggest fish they could find. The criteria focused on a combination of the weight and length of each fish.

According to one of the event’s main organizers, Debbie Foley, the purpose was to promote the town and to uplift local residents by giving them a place to congregate.

Most of the participants were adults as only two kids registered for the event, Foley said.

The competition comprised of catching pike and pickerel. However, participants were invited to pull up whatever kind of fish they could.

With relatively cold weather throughout, the derby didn’t draw as many people as it has in years past, with upwards of 100 participants in previous editions, Foley said.

Nonetheless, everyone seemed to have had a good time.

When it was all said and done, Duane Scharff from North Gower, Ont. landed the first prize for pike after pulling up a 60 centimetre-long, 2.4 pound fish. Gord Bowes of Chalk River came away with the top prize for pickerels with a 44 centimetre catch weighing 1.4 pounds. Each of the winners walked away with brand-new sets of fishing rods and reels, Foley said.

For Foley, the event has been very beneficial for the community over the years. Having been involved with the RDJOA for nearly five years, she’s found the fishing derbies very enjoyable and feels grateful for the constant support from local families year after year.

“It’s a lot of fun and we get kids out,” she said. “It’s a family-oriented event, so we usually get a great response back from them.

Following the derby, RDJOA volunteers raffled off a collection of door prizes purchased from a number of local businesses, Foley said.

“Most people leave with something,” she said.

All the proceeds raised from the event will be used to subsidize community initiatives benefitting local youth, Foley said.

Next year, the RDJOA might look into expanding the variety of categories considering the diverse ecosystem of the lake, Foley said.

“I think next year we’re probably opening up because the lake where we’re fishing has everything from bass, perch right up to sturgeons. Trout have been caught in that lake too, so you never know what you’re going to get. We have catfish as well.”

Established in 2005, the RDJOA is a non-for-profit organization built with the purpose of promoting hunting and fishing for local youth in an effort to keep them active and healthy.

Winner of the pickerel category Sylvia Waito and Gord Bowes showing off the winning fish and a couple of bass.

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