Organizers of the 35th annual Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) Under the Lock Fishing Derby aim to build on last year’s record turnout as the event returns later this month with 3,000 stocked trout and more than $25,000 in prizes.
Advanced registration is now open for the nine-day event formerly known as the Peterborough Greenwing Fishing Derby, set for the Trent-Severn Waterway below Lock 21 from Sunday, April 28 at 9 a.m. through Sunday, May 5 at 4 p.m.
“Back by popular demand are early bird registration prizes, goody bags, a hot dog lunch for the kids, and sponsored tagged fish with cash prizes for anglers of all ages to win,” OFAH Youth Education Manager David Ryrie stated in a release.
Youth derby starts April 27
The youth derby kicks off April 27 for children 15 and under and includes 500 tagged trout for instant prizes and a chance to win one of four grand prizes. The big fish prize of $1,000 cash will go to whoever catches Walter, a rainbow trout weighing between six and eight pounds. The fish has been caught three years in a row by Travis Parker, Justin Desbarbieux, and in record time last year by Benjamin Bumstead.
The second and third place grand prize fish, Rosie and Berty, are each worth $200 cash plus a free registration to OFAH day camp. The fourth grand prize fish, aptly named “Kayak,” boasts a sit-on kayak and paddle if caught.
Meanwhile, for a third straight year, the all-ages derby running from April 28 to May 5 will include tagged fish with cash prizes sponsored by local businesses.
“We still have fish in need of a local sponsor that will both challenge anglers and offset the cost of the stocked trout for the youth derby,” Ryrie added.
Registration is required for all participants. The cost is $15 for the first child, $10 for siblings, and $25 for adults.
Visit www.ofah.org/underthelock for more information or to register.