Get Your Entry In For The 2011 Grand River Bass Derby
For a great weekend on the water, some friendly competition, and the chance to win some great prizes, participate in the Grand River Bass Derby on July 9 & 10, 2011.
The derby is open to smallmouth bass caught in the Grand River, from below the Belwood Dam, to above the Paris Dam. Longest fish wins.
Last year was my first time participating in this event and despite some challenging conditions I had a great time. On day one the river was high, fast and muddy. The only way a fish was going to bite a lure was if it was dropped on the fish’s nose. That said, there were still a few fish taken to the measuring station. I ended day one without a bite.
Day two saw much lower and clearer water and the return of the bite. Darrell and I set up along a stretch of the river with a few good holes known to produce big fish. Our morning was slow, with my only catch being a big sucker. As the temperature rose and my arms began to burn (I had forgotten my sunscreen), we talked to many anglers passing by that had managed to measure a fish. We had nothing.
With about 30 minutes left to fish Darrell tried out a different technique and after almost two days without a bass – wham! Big smallie after big smallie. We knew the leading fish was about 20-inches so each fish got thrown back in hopes of a bigger one. And then it happened…another bite…but this one barely moved. As Darrell finally started to get some line in it became obvious it was a large fish. I went running for the net, seeing the ever growing shape of the smallie approaching the shore. This one was going to challenge for top prize. But then we heard the sound no angler wants to hear – that of the line breaking. I couldn’t believe it. Darrell couldn’t either. I had to hear about it for weeks afterwards. Lesson learned, every reel has fresh line on it this year!
First prize is $2,000 and there’s a great entry prize, as well as tons of draw prizes.
You can register for the derby at Natural Sports in Kitchener. Natural Sports is taking over the organization of the derby from the Optimist Club and I’m sure the event will only continue to improve. While you’re at the store completing your registration, make sure to take a look around and pick up some gear. After all, you don’t want your line to break! It’s always nice to support those who make such a great event happen. And don’t forget an aerator to keep your fish nice and healthy on the way to the measuring station.
You can follow the Grand River Bass Derby on Twitter at @GrandRiverBass.
Join the fun and fish a great river. I hope to see you there!
argosgirl
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