From the Lockport Journal...
18th Canal Fishing Derby begins July 8
GASPORT — The biggest and brightest fishing derby on the 363-mile-long Erie Barge Canal can be found on a 30-mile stretch of “Clinton’s Ditch” between Albion and the Tonawandas. It’s here, in the counties of Niagara, Orleans and northern Erie each year, along the banks of the canal, more than 1,000 avid anglers participate in the annual Erie Barge Canal Fishing Derby, competing for cash prizes, a new fishing boat and trailer, and of course, pride.
“It’s all about catching the biggest fish,” said event director for he past 18 years, Steve Harrington of Gasport. “We have seven categories of fish and the biggest fish in each category will win you prizes.”
Youth and adult prizes are on tap in the derby which runs this year from July 8 through July 20. Categories are bullhead, bass, walleye, carp, Northern Pike, catfish and sheephead. The cost to enter the derby is $11 per person, $6 for children 14 and under and $21 per family. More than $20,000 in prizes are available including the grand prize, a new fishing boat, motor and trailer from Bryce Marina of Rochester. Kids can win daily prizes and a chance to win a canal trail bicycle.
“It’s really picked up over the last three to five years,” Harrington said. “I’ve had more parents and grandparents tell me what a great idea it was and how their families finally spent some quality time with their kids. I keep hearing that more and more each and every year.”
Tagged fish, including one worth $2,500 are also lurking, Harrington said. Look for the tag upper top center, just below the dorsal fin. Tagged fish prizes total $10,000, Harrington said.
Weigh Stations are as follows: Niagara Outdoors, 223 Witmer Road, North Tonawanda (695-5873); Les Allen Bait, 350 Hawley St., Lockport (433-8983); Harrington’s, 7963 Telegraph Road, Gasport (772-7972); Middleport Sport Shop, 25 Main St., Middleport (735-7140); Outdoor Adventures, 541-543 B Main St., Medina (585-798-3047); and Jeddo Bait & Tackle, 10282 Ridge Road, Medina (585-318-4310). You can enter the derby at any of the above weigh stations, as well as at Gander Mountain, 880 Young St., Tonawanda (743-2300).
For more information, log on to www.eriecanalderby.com
18th Canal Fishing Derby begins July 8
GASPORT — The biggest and brightest fishing derby on the 363-mile-long Erie Barge Canal can be found on a 30-mile stretch of “Clinton’s Ditch” between Albion and the Tonawandas. It’s here, in the counties of Niagara, Orleans and northern Erie each year, along the banks of the canal, more than 1,000 avid anglers participate in the annual Erie Barge Canal Fishing Derby, competing for cash prizes, a new fishing boat and trailer, and of course, pride.
“It’s all about catching the biggest fish,” said event director for he past 18 years, Steve Harrington of Gasport. “We have seven categories of fish and the biggest fish in each category will win you prizes.”
Youth and adult prizes are on tap in the derby which runs this year from July 8 through July 20. Categories are bullhead, bass, walleye, carp, Northern Pike, catfish and sheephead. The cost to enter the derby is $11 per person, $6 for children 14 and under and $21 per family. More than $20,000 in prizes are available including the grand prize, a new fishing boat, motor and trailer from Bryce Marina of Rochester. Kids can win daily prizes and a chance to win a canal trail bicycle.
“It’s really picked up over the last three to five years,” Harrington said. “I’ve had more parents and grandparents tell me what a great idea it was and how their families finally spent some quality time with their kids. I keep hearing that more and more each and every year.”
Tagged fish, including one worth $2,500 are also lurking, Harrington said. Look for the tag upper top center, just below the dorsal fin. Tagged fish prizes total $10,000, Harrington said.
Weigh Stations are as follows: Niagara Outdoors, 223 Witmer Road, North Tonawanda (695-5873); Les Allen Bait, 350 Hawley St., Lockport (433-8983); Harrington’s, 7963 Telegraph Road, Gasport (772-7972); Middleport Sport Shop, 25 Main St., Middleport (735-7140); Outdoor Adventures, 541-543 B Main St., Medina (585-798-3047); and Jeddo Bait & Tackle, 10282 Ridge Road, Medina (585-318-4310). You can enter the derby at any of the above weigh stations, as well as at Gander Mountain, 880 Young St., Tonawanda (743-2300).
For more information, log on to www.eriecanalderby.com
