FISHING: 19th Canal Fishing Derby opens today

Runs through July 19 from Albion to Tonawanda

By John D'Onofrio<br><a href="mailto:john.donofrio@lockportjournal.com">E-mail John</a>

GASPORT — There’s no better time catch “the big one” than the next two weeks as the 19th Erie Barge Canal Fishing Derby gets underway today on DeWitt Clinton’s historic waterway, between Albion and Tonawanda.

More than 700 eager fishermen and women have signed up for the family-oriented summer event so far, said derby founder and director Steve Harrington of Gasport. At the conclusion of the derby on July 19, the grand prize winner will receive a new fishing boat and trailer and the youth with the biggest catch will earn a new canal trail bike.

Harrington, who founded the event in the summer of 1990, estimates that more then 10,000 people have participated in the canal derby over the years.

“Each year, it seems to get a little bigger and a little better. This year’s sign-up is going better than I thought with the economy the way it is. Even the sponsorships are up,” Harrington said. “I see so many new faces every year. It’s great to see people and families out fishing.”

Interested participants can sign up at any time during the derby, Harrington stressed.

“If you sign up before 10 p.m., you can weigh your fish in that day,” he said.

On Monday, Harrington and his wife, Lynn, were busy making final preparations and talking to the participating weigh stations, which are Niagara Outdoors, 223 Witmer Road, North Tonawanda (695-5873), Les Allen Live Bait, 350 Hawley St. (433-8983), Harrington’s, 7963 Telegraph Road, Gasport (772-7972), Outdoor Adventures, 541 B. Main St., Medina (585-798-3047) and Jeddo Bait & Tackle, 10282 Ridge Road, Medina (585-318-4310).

The United States Fish & Wildlife Service, under the direction of fishery biologist Betsy Trometer, recently added more than 50 tagged fish into the canal waters. One tagged fish is worth $2,500 cash. The location of the tag is the upper top center, just below the dorsal fin.

In all, more than $20,000 in prizes are available in the derby, including the grand prize of a new fishing boat and trailer from Bryce Marine of Rochester. A new canal trail bike will also be given away. Kids can also claim daily prizes if they catch the biggest fish at their respective weigh station.

The cost to enter the derby is $11 for those age 15 and older and just $6 for kids 14 and under. The cost for an entire family is $21.

To enter, you can sign up for the derby at any of the above weigh stations, in addition to Gander Mountain, 880 Young St., Tonawanda (743-2300).

Once again this year, their are 14 divisions of fish — seven each for both kids and adults. They are bass, walleye, Northern Pike, bullhead, carp, sheephead and catfish.

The US&J; will publish a daily Derby leaderboard, beginning later this week.

For more information, contact Harrington at 772-7972.



Derby Lowdown

• WHAT: 2009 Erie Barge Canal Fishing Derby

• WHEN: Today through July 19

• WHERE: Erie Barge Canal, between Albion and the Tonawandas.

• COST: $11 per person, $6 for kids 14-under, $21 per family, $5 cash bash

• ENTER AT: Niagara Outdoors, 223 Witmer Road, North Tonawanda (695-5873), Les Allen Live Bait, 350 Hawley St. (433-8983), Harrington’s, 7963 Telegraph Road, Gasport (772-7972), Outdoor Adventures, 541 B. Main St., Medina (585-798-3047), Jeddo Bait & Tackle, 10282 Ridge Road, Medina (585-318-4310); or Gander Mountain, 880 Young St., Tonawanda (743-2300).

• WEIGH STATIONS: Niagara Outdoors, Les Allen, Harrington’s, Outdoor Adventures or Jeddo Bait & Tackle.

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