The 2nd Annual Fishing Derby held at Paint Lake, Manitoba was a grand success with over 400 anglers participating in the event. Anglers from all around the region turned up to compete for the grand prize of $25,000 and other prizes. The derby was organized by a dedicated team of volunteers that aimed to make it a major attraction for the region.
The event was held with the support of Paint Lake Marina and Parks Manitoba, who complimented the team for organizing such a successful event. The derby was a fun-filled day for families and fishing enthusiasts alike, with participants enjoying the serene beauty of Paint Lake while trying to catch the biggest fish.
The event took place on Sunday, March 17, with registration starting at 9:00 am. The fishing began at 11:00 am and ended at 3:00 pm. Participants were not allowed to use any electronic devices or portable ice shelters during the competition.
The organizers of the Derby left no stone unturned in making the event a grand success. They made sure that the participants had all the necessary arrangements for fishing, including fishing rods, bait, and other supplies. They also provided refreshments to the participants to keep them energized throughout the day.
The derby had exciting prizes, including the grand prize of $25,000 for the first-place winner, $15,000 for the second-place winner, $5,000 for the third-place winner, $2,500 for the fourth-place winner, and $1,000 for the fifth-place winner. In addition, the longest fish of any species, caught and released, also won an award.
The tickets for the event were available at various locations, including Keewatin Tribal Council, Crazy Pete's, and other locations. Advance tickets were priced at $150, and on-ice tickets were priced at $200. The event also included a $20 side bet for the longest Walleye winner-take-all and a 50/50 draw.
The derby was not only a great opportunity for fishing enthusiasts but also an excellent platform for socializing. Families enjoyed the day out in the beautiful scenery while participants shared their fishing experiences and techniques.
The organizers of the event expressed their gratitude to everyone who participated in the event, and they look forward to making it an annual event. The derby is expected to become a significant attraction for the region, and the organizers are already planning to make it even bigger and better next year.
~Matthias J. Johnson is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Thompson Citizen. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.
