Travis Crawford, co-chair of the 2016 Kincardine Fishing Derby, holding the sign overlooking the Marina, and gesturing that it's the 31st annual event.Travis Crawford, co-chair of the 2016 Kincardine Fishing Derby, holding the sign overlooking the Marina, and gesturing that it's the 31st annual event.
Midwestern

31st Annual Kincardine Fishing Derby Is Underway

The 31st annual Kincardine Fishing Derby got started Friday morning at the local marina.

Volunteers from Co-operators were on hand to start doing official weigh-ins at 11am for the competition, which sees which local or visiting fisherman can reel in the biggest catch. There are two divisions, trout and salmon, with the biggest overall fish of either breed earning the winner a $5,000 shopping spree at Kincardine Canadian Tire. The biggest salmon and trout aside from the overall biggest fish will earn their owners a $1,000 shopping spree at Huron Rod and Gun.

Travis Crawford, who is co-chairing the event this year and is part of the Kincardine Chamber of Commerce, says the event is already off to an excellent start.

"In the past few years, it has been cold on our opening day, but today we have warm weather and a glass lake, meaning the water is perfect and there should be no shortage of boats," he says. "We encourage everyone to come try their luck at catching this year's big winner, there's lots to do as we kick off the long weekend and the Kincardine summer. The event runs ten days and will end next Sunday, [May] 29. Last official weigh-ins will be accepted until 12:30pm that day."

Many boats were out early on day one of the derby to get a head start, with everyone trying to reel in this year's monster fish for the win. Last year's winner was a 23.6 lb trout caught by a fisherman from London.

A contestant in the 2016 Kincardine Fishing Derby puts their catch in the weigh-in station. A contestant in the 2016 Kincardine Fishing Derby puts their catch in the weigh-in station.

Kelly Dagelman, left, and Jennifer Cook of Kincardine Co-Operators with a contestant's fish at the weigh in station for the 2016 Kincardine Fishing Derby. Kelly Dagelman, left, and Jennifer Cook of Kincardine Co-Operators with a contestant's fish at the weigh in station for the 2016 Kincardine Fishing Derby.

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