The Bluewater Angers' 2018 Salmon Derby, which wrapped up on Sunday afternoon, is being termed a big success.
Over 1,000 anglers reeled in 1,608 fish over the ten-day event, which is the third highest total over the past 12 years.
Bluewater Anglers spokesman Paul Heckley says that included a record-breaking 26.64 lbs lake trout caught by Justin Tadgell of Grand Bend.
"The water is still a little bit colder than normal because of the cool weather in April," says Heckley. "The lake trout seemed to be in the shallow water feeding and the salmon were just starting to show up at the tail end of the derby the last half of the week."
Heckley says the winning 14.12 lbs salmon was caught by Rick Scott of St. Marys. He says that is a couple of pounds lighter than normal.
Although the final total hasn't been calculated, money raised from the derby helps the organization fund up to two-thirds of the hatchery operation for the year.
The awards are being handed out on Wednesday, May 16 at Pt. Edward Arena starting at 7pm.
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The official winners in the 2018 Salmon Derby are:
- Rick Scott of St. Marys in the Salmon category with a 14.12 lb. Salmon.
- Justin Tadgell of Grand Bend in the Lake Trout category with a 26.64 lb. Lake Trout.
- Craig Beaubien of Sarnia in the Trout - Boat category with a 12.42 lb. Rainbow Trout.
- Nick Vallee of Bright's Grove in the Trout - Shore category with a 9.69 lb. Rainbow Trout.
- Ryan Smith of Wyoming in the Walleye category with a 9.60 lb. Walleye.
- Elijah Brown of Petrolia is the Kids Biggest Fish leader with a 15.74 lb. Lake Trout.
- Nicole McCullough of Strathroy is the Ladies Day winner with a 10.05 lb. Lake Trout.
- Ray Core of Sarnia is the Seniors Day winner with a 12.60 lb. Lake Trout.
