More people fishing means bigger prizes at this year’s 98 the Beach Chantry Chinook.
The annual fishing derby, now in its 27th year, has been drawing so many people in recent years, they’ve added an extra day as well.
Spokesperson Bob Greason says the largest salmon prize has been increased from 10 thousand dollars to 12 thousand dollars.
Second prize is four thousand and third prize is two thousand.
In the trout category, top prize this year is 25-hundred dollars, second is 15-hundred, and five hundred dollars will go to third place.
Greason says they’ve even added a new category for youth this year.
Those under 17 qualify for a five hundred dollar prize if they catch the largest fish.
Greason says the increase in ticket sales, combined with good response from local and corporate sponsors, have allowed to them to increase the prize levels.
He says there are many other activities taking place during the derby as well – – there are ladies’ and seniors’ days, as well as the awards to wrap up the derby.
Greason says the biggest event is kids’ day on Saturday July 31st.
He says there will be free hot dogs and drinks as well as prizes, and the kids can have their minnows weighed in at all four weigh stations in Port Elgin, Southampton, Kincardine and Pike Bay.
The derby runs from July 24th to August 8th, and early bird registration must be done by June 30th.
More information for registration can be found at www.chantrychinook.com
