A small test run for a fishing derby at Mawson Lake has encouraged the Creston Valley Shrine Club to make it an annual event to raise funds for the Shriners Children’s Hospital.
“It is a catch and release derby, with the length of caught fish determining the prize winners,” organizer Tony Mulder said last week.
The derby also included the support of the Creston Valley Rod and Gun Club.
Mark Veitch was the first place winner, measuring an 18.25-inch largemouth bass that weighed in at 3.5 pounds before releasing it. Veitch also caught five smaller bass. He won $150.
His brother, Jaymes, took second place, winning an Ugly Stik fishing rod donated by Mawson’s Sports.
Third place winner was Caelan Halonen, who won a spool of fishing line, also from Mawson’s Sports.
Les Herle, president of the Creston Valley Rod and Gun Club, presented Mark Veitch with a trophy “top” that will be added to each year, creating an annual trophy for the winner to keep for the year.
The event has been named after long-time Shriner Harvey Sayles.
“This was only the first year of this tournament, but a lot of ideas were presented by all who attended and next year will be a much bigger fundraiser,” Mulder said. “We are hoping to make it an annual event.”