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Huge char tip the scales and stretch measuring tapes at Nunavut derbies

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Fishing derbies took place in a few Nunavut communities during the first week of August. pixabay photo

Fishing derbies took place in several Nunavut communities during the first week of August, and top competitors reeled in big prize money.

In Kugluktuk, some large char were pulled from the water. The heaviest specimen was 31.8 lb., which earned Jorgen Anablak $2,000.

Norman Kadlun equalled that weight in the cod category.

Fishing derbies took place in a few Nunavut communities during the first week of August.
pixabay photo

There were also prizes for each anglers' three heaviest fish combined. The overall winner for combined catch was Eric Hitkolok with 75.8 lbs. That was worth $500.

Ida Hokanak was the winner among the female competitors with 63 lbs. of combined fish. Roger Hitkolok was the top senior at 54.9 lbs. In the youth category, Antoine Nivingalok finished first at 72.2 lbs.

There was also a 22 lb. wolffish landed during the event, which grabbed some people's attention, recreation coordinator Matt Craddock said.

The derby attracted 107 participants.

"There were a couple of choppy days to start, but the weather overall was pretty good," Craddock said of the August 2-6 event.

For anyone who missed out, Kugluktuk's Last Chance Fishing Derby will be held at the end of the month.

Charmania in Gjoa Haven

Participants in Gjoa Haven's annual Charmania event on August 4 didn't have their catches weighed, they had them measured.

Matt Elleehetook turned in a 92 cm char to earn the grand prize – Canadian North airline tickets for two people to fly within the Kitikmeot or to Yellowknife.

Angeline Aglukkaq collected the $500 second prize with an 88.5 cm specimen.

There was a three-way tie for third place, which had $400 attached. Johnjohn Mannialaq, Twyla Akoak, Solomon Angutingunieq all hauled in 87 cm char.

Nancy Aqqaq had $300 fourth-place prize to herself with her 86.75 cm fish.

Charmania took place from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

"It was great," said recreation coordinator Gibson Porter, who noted that 46 people caught fish in the derby.

The weather was a little less than great, however, with temperatures not climbing higher than 5C, Porter added.

Large turnout in Cambridge Bay

The fishing derby in Cambridge Bay, which wrapped up on August 6, enticed 112 people to take part, according to Jeannie Evalik, chair of the derby committee.

Doris Angohiatok caught the heaviest char at 9 lbs., 14 oz.

George Taptuna took home the second and third prizes thanks to his char weighing 3 lbs., 10 oz. And 3 lbs. 7 oz.