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 Anglers at the Orillia Perch Festival jam the popular fishing area called the Narrows, which connects Lake Simcoe and Lake Couchiching. Derick Steffler, right, shows how it’s done. |
ONTARIO - Anglers of all ages are getting set to dip their lines into the icy waters of Lake Simcoe and Lake Couchiching at Orillia.
They're casting for the "big one," a tagged perch they hope won't get away and is worth $2,500.
Orillia's 29th annual Perch Festival, from April 17 to May 8, is expected to attract up to 6,500 anglers, making it "one of the largest fishing derbies in North America," said event chair Mark Goode.
Dave Mercer, host of the TV show Facts of Fishing, is honorary chairperson.
The weather is cooperating as the ice is already out of the Narrows, the popular fishing area connecting the two lakes, and around the shorelines.
There are 69 tagged perch each worth $500 in this "live-release" contest, operated by the Orillia Fish and Game Conservation Club, where the fish are returned to the lakes.
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Nearby Casino Rama sponsors the top tagged fish prize of $2,500 that's been caught three times in the last 10 years, said Doug Bunker of the Orillia District Chamber of Commerce.
"If you can hold a stick, you can win in this event," he said, noting the family event is popular with all ages.
"The youngest person catching a tagged fish was three years old and the oldest was an 87-year-old grandmother out with kids."
Statistics show one tagged perch in five is caught as these fish "just happen to be very cooperative when it comes to biting on anything that comes their way."
There are also prizes of a Lund fishing boat, motor and trailer, $2,000 Walmart shopping spree and $1,000 to spend at Bass Pro Shops, along with numerous prizes for kids.
Opening day is April 17 at Tudhope Park, with fishing hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily until closing on May 8 at 4 p.m., and the final ceremonies at 7 p.m. at the Best Western Mariposa Inn on Memorial Ave.
The Ontario Provincial Police, with its headquarters in Orillia, is again taking part in Kids Day on May 1 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be events such as casting and "accuracy sports" for children along with OPP displays.
"We hear countless stories from anglers who took part in the early years, then brought their kids who now bring their kids that makes this a three-generation event for many families," Bunker said.
"Fishing bridges the generations and always seems to build fond memories that last a lifetime."
Other spring places to fish:
- The Tim Hortons Trout Derby at Springwater Conservation Authority (8079 Springwater Rd.) in Aylmer runs from April 24 to May 9, with a Kid's Derby May 8-9. Rainbow trout are stocked in the pond with tagged fish winning cash prizes. Fee: $7.50; free, children to age 14. www.catfishcreek.ca; 519-773-9037.
- A Trout Derby happens from April 24 to May 2 at the Falls Reserve Conservation Area (80900 Falls Reserve Line) in Benmiller near Goderich. Tagged fish in the stocked pond will win prizes. The area also has the Kids, Cops, Canadian Tire Fishing Derby on May 29 from 9 a.m. www.mvca.on.ca; 1-877-325-5722.
- For serious anglers, there's the Spring Perch Attack Fishing Tournament at Lionshead Resort at Jackson's Point on April 30. There are "guaranteed cash payouts" of $10,000. Fee: $200 per two-person team ($220 at event). www.georginafishingseries.ca; 905-722-5425.
- A Fishing Derby takes place at the Morrison Dam Conservation Authority, northeast of Exeter, on May 1 starting at 7 a.m. www.abca.on.ca; 519-235-0768.
- The Greensville Optimist Club Fishing Derby is May 8 from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Christie Lake Conservation Area (100 Highway 5 W.) in Dundas. Tagged fish will be worth $50 each and there are Hamilton Conservation Authority prizes. Registration: $5; $2, children to age 16. www.conservationhamilton.ca; 905-628-3060.
- Fish Kincardine Derby marks its 25th year with "music, entertainment and some great fishing" in Lake Huron's Kincardine Harbour from May 21 to 30. www.fishkincardinederby.com; 519-396-9466.
Jim Fox can be reached at onetanktrips@hotmail.com
IF YOU FISH
Entry fees for the Orillia Perch Festival are $15; $5 for children to 16. Perch headquarters is at Tudhope Park, Atherley Rd. and Highway 12. Call 1-888-326-4424 or visit www.orillia.com/perchfestival