(Photo provided by Kevin Harders)
The Lures N’ Lines Spring Trout Derby is starting later than expected due to the pandemic.
With the ongoing lockdown, Bruce Peninsula Sportsmen’s Association Club President Kevin Harders says they are planning on running the event between May 28 and June 6, despite fishing being permitted as of May 22.
Harders says while they have had private derbies in the past, this is the first year they are opening it up for anyone to join.
With the current guidelines however, it is requested only one participant at a time should approach the weigh station to show off the fish they have caught, while also maintaining an under 10 indoor gathering limit. To ensure this measure, participants are asked to remain in their vehicle until it is their turn.
Starting that midnight, the derby will be held in Cape Chin and all the way to the Owen Sound Bay.
Supplying up to 750 tickets for the derby, the event is open to both families and individuals, with 150 families and 600 singles able to attend.
Everyone must bring their own boat and fishing supplies.
Harders says, “we are definitely encouraging everybody to stay safe and practice social distancing, that is why we have postponed it, and hopefully the lockdown and everything should be up and running by the 28th.”
Harders also confirms participants may keep what they catch during the derby and there is a progressive jackpot with half the proceeds being donated to Bruce Peninsula Sportsman’s Association Hatchery program, which has hatched, reared and stocked over 2.5 million fish since 1968.
This year, Harders says he hopes to raise $24,000 from ticket sales, if however, the lockdown persists past the 28th, he says they will hold a 50/50 raffle draw with all of the remaining prizes that have been donated from small business owners.
Harders says last year the club couldn’t hold any of its fundraiser days.
“With the last year and a bit with the Covid running through our area, clubs like the Peninsula Sportsmen’s Association that rely on so many volunteer and fundraiser days, they are really struggling with that, so any assistance we can provide to the hatchery program is over and above,” says Harders.
For anyone interested in taking part, you can email luresnlines@gmail.com or by calling the shop at 519-534-2730, and you will be directed to the closed ticket outlet.