Ryan Smith's 9.60 lbs. Walleye - May 10/18 (Photo Courtesy of Bluewater Anglers)Ryan Smith's 9.60 lbs. Walleye - May 10/18 (Photo Courtesy of Bluewater Anglers)
Sarnia

Organizers hope for good weather for overnight Walleye Derby

Lines will be cast out Friday evening to kick off the Bluewater Anglers' Summer Walleye Derby.

The popular overnight fishing event will start at 6 p.m. and will end at 11 a.m. on Saturday.

Those with a valid fishing licence can purchase a $10 entry ticket at Bucks Baits and The Outdoorsman until 4:30 p.m. on Friday. All members of a group or on a boat must have a ticket.

Organizer Lou Dallaire said participant registration varies each year, depending on the weather. He said most people will wait until just before the event to purchase tickets.

Last year's derby only saw about 41 participants because of poor weather. Dallaire said with good weather, the event could see around 100 anglers.

"A lot of people fish overnight," said Dallaire. "Walleye are very good to catch just before dusk and just before the sun comes up."

The weigh-in will be at the Bluewater Anglers Hatchery on Saturday from 10:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. Participants must be in line to weigh in their fish (it's a single-fish event) by 11 a.m. in order for entries to qualify. 

Prizes will be awarded for the 10 heaviest walleyes, with the top prize being $500.

Winners will be announced immediately after the weigh-in.

The fishing boundary will be the same as the Salmon Derby, from the St. Clair River to the south-end of Fawn Island, to the north-end of Grand Bend, to north of Lexington, Michigan, and north to latitude 43’34” in Lake Huron.

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