Fishy derby

Relaxation and forgetting about the workweek are great incentives to fish, say resident fishermen.

Cory Schiiler weighed in his catch for the second day of the week-long Salmon Derby on Sunday. The event, which started on Saturday, had fishermen bringing in their catch of the day to a weigh in station at the McDonalds restaurant on Cumberland Street. Participants caught 87 fish on Saturday, with the biggest fish weighing at 10.23 pounds. 

Schiiler said he has participated in the salmon derby every year it's been held and likes supporting local community groups. The rules for the derby say participants can fish anywhere on Lake Superior. Schiiler said he went on the American side of the border to fish.

"This morning was fantastic," Schiiler said. "Once the rain moved through it was fine."

Schiiler said fishing is a great sport for someone to get away and forget troubles.

Doug Lund, chair of the Week-long Salmon Derby, said with the marina closed because of construction, they wanted to do something different with the derby.

"Part of the Salmon Associations mandate is to raise money for the hatchery that stock for Lake Superior and to promote salmon and fishing for salmon," Lund said. "A derby is an excellent way to promote the sport. This is best fishing we’ve had for the last four years."

Lund said the warmer water temperature and weather contributed to the large amount of fish caught this year.

He said the next weigh in would be at George’s Market on River Street. He added anyone can take part in the competition but participants must purchases a derby ticket before they go fishing.

Tickets cost $50 with no admission to the Moose Hall dinner or $65 that includes dinner and presentations.