11th Annual Big Gull Derby-family fishing at its best

Mar 04, 2015

More than 400 tickets were sold at the Frontenac-Addington Trappers Council's annual fishing derby on February 28. The weather cooperated for this year’s event, which since its inception over a decade ago has been taking place on Big Gull Lake near Henderson. The derby is perhaps more about getting together with family and friends than about strictly fishing. Everyone who bought a $10 ticket, whether they caught a fish or not, had a chance to win over 70 prizes donated by local individuals and businesses, which were given out in random draws throughout the day. The grand prize of a Hummingbird Ice 35 Sonar Flasher, which was donated by the council, was up for grabs to all ticket holders.

For those who came to fish, landing a pickerel in the 40-50 centimetre slot size won them a chance at a number of other big ticket items also donated by the council, including a Poulan chain saw, an 8 inch power auger, an air compressor, a portable ice shack, a two door gas smoker, an 8 gun cabinet, a 500 pound capacity sleigh and more.

Wilf Deline, who has been president of the council for close to a decade and on the executive for close to 30 years, organized the event with the help of his wife Debbie and numerous volunteers. An on site canteen offered up hot meals, and for the kids, who fished for free, there was an endless supply of free hot chocolate, snacks, special prizes and trophies.

Wilf Deline said that the derby takes place on Big Gull Lake because it is central and is also a great lake for fishing. Proceeds from the derby go towards supporting a number of the council’s projects and programs, which include local school scholarships, and their many ongoing conservation projects that include supporting and maintaining local spawning beds, winter deer feeding and more. Anyone interested in trapping, hunting and fishing and who might want to learn something new is welcome to attend the council’s meetings, which take place usually at the Henderson hall.

Deline, a fourth generation trapper who has been hunting, fishing and trapping for decades in the area, said that he has become “the go-to guy” for those with questions and when I visited he was fielding numerous questions about the local lakes, the price of fur and the thickness of the ice. Wilf said it comes with the territory and he is more than happy to oblige.

For more information about becoming a member, upcoming meetings and more visit www.trap.org and visit them on Facebook.