Catching a trophy fish this weekend could score Yellowknife families a free helicopter ride.
The recently formed not-for-profit group Arctic Anglers is holding its second annual Family Fishing Derby at Walsh Lake on Saturday. Co-founder Clayton Bell said nearly 300 to 400 people are expected this year which is almost four times as many amateur anglers as last year.
NNSL photo
“We're quite surprised with the community support this time around,” said Bell. “I think if we have this type of planning going forward we will be successful in 2018 and the years to come.”
Bell added he hopes the Family Fishing Derby will be an annual event going forward.
All 10 prizes for the winners of this year's instalment of the catch and release fishing derby have been donated by Yellowknife businesses.
Bell said a major contributor to this year's event is the territorial government's Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment, which is donating around $8,300 toward rental fees and the purchase of a heated tent where competitors can warm up after an excursion on the lake.
Prizes will be awarded to the top three winners in the “Trout” and “Pike” categories and will be chosen based on the number of fish a family is able to catch and release between 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Prizes include a chainsaw package donated by Polar Tech Recreation and vouchers for free family helicopter rides from Summit Air.
Bell emphasized the importance of the event being a “family derby,” explaining teams must have a member under the age of 18.
Bell, a foster father, said he, his biological children and foster children will be competing in this year's derby. He added borrowing children to compete alongside is not necessarily against the rules.
“If your neighbour's kids are excellent at fishing then borrow them, with their permission and fish,” said Bell, jokingly.
There is no early registration for the event but participants are being instructed to register tomorrow morning between 7:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. at the Arctic Anglers tent next to Walsh Lake.