Despite a torrential downpour during prize giving, Deka Lake and District Volunteer Fire Department’s (DLDVFD) 29th annual fishing derby on July 30-31 was a great success with 392 tickets sold.
Some 139 fish were weighed in, including 94 lakers, 32 kokanee and 13 rainbow, and many of them won prizes. The first fish weighed in, and thereby meriting a prize, was a 1.7 1b. laker reeled in by Roger Robinson of the 108.
The largest laker at 20 lbs. was hooked in by Robert Harris, who won first prize and the Don and Marion Traill trophy. In second place, Harvey Knapp’s fish weighed 11.8 lbs., while Matt Palmer’s tipped the scale at 9.8 lbs.
Bill Beetstra of Nanaimo won first kokanee prize for a fish weighing 3.1 lbs. This was followed by Keven Wen’s fish at 2.8 lbs., and Sharon Weber’s at 2.6 lbs.
Of the 13 rainbow, perennial winner Len Rodenbush won with his 2.3-lb. catch, followed by Don Kusel whose fish weighed 2.1 lbs. In third place was 31/2-year-old Maya Van Ness of Maple Ridge whose first fish ever caught weighed 1.8 lbs.
Prizes were also awarded to the oldest fisher present, and Deka’s own Rose Magnusson who won a beautiful crib board.
The youngest fisher present was seven-week-old Madison Wright of Kamloops, granddaughter to Sue and Dave Regehr.
For the first time, the DLDVFD had use of the Cariboo Regional District’s Fire House complete with smoke room and safety video, which was well used by the many children present.
Sulphurous derby
The Sulphurous Lake District Volunteer Fire-fighters’ Association fishing derby on July 31 only was also a great success with a 500 tickets sold.
No lake trout were caught at Hathaway.
Of the 11 rainbow caught, first prize went to Ken Ecker’s 3-1b. fish from Hathaway. All other fish weighed in came from Sulphurous.
Of 19 kokanee, Mike Koselowski took first prize for his 2 1b. 12 oz. specimen.
Harold Bittner really cleaned up, as he placed second and third with rainbows weighing 2 lb. 4 oz. and 1 lb. l2 oz; and second, third and fourth with kokanee weighing 1 lb. 7oz, 1 lb. 6 oz. and 1 lb. 4 oz.
The fourth rainbow prize went to Greg Rector’s 1 lb. 11 oz. fish.
“It was a great day,” said spokesperson Ed Frey.
“The kitchen had a great day and the turnout at prize-giving was also great. The weather was questionable and fish numbers were down but, in all, we are very happy with the event’s success.”
Both volunteer fire departments expressed their deep appreciation to their generous prize donors, their many helpers and, of course, the public for its terrific support.
They look forward to seeing everyone again next year.