35th Annual OFAH Under the Lock Fishing Derby a Go Starting April 27

The 35th annual OFAH Under the Lock Fishing Derby is ready for another big year as it returns from April 27 to May 5, announced on Friday.

BUMSTEAD (LEFT) CAUGHT WALTER AFTER HIS THIRD CAST NOT A HALF AN HOUR INTO THE DERBY last year. HIS STEPFATHER JUSTIN DESBARBIEUX (RIGHT) DID IT two years ago, FIVE DAYS INTO THE EVENT. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.

“Back by popular demand are early bird registration prizes, goody bags, a hot dog lunch for the kids, and sponsored tagged fish with cash prizes for anglers of all ages to win,” said David Ryrie, OFAH youth education manager.

The youth derby kicks off on April 27 for children 15 and under. It includes 500 tagged trout for instant prizes and a chance to win one of four grand prizes.

The big fish prize of $1,000 cash will go to whoever catches Walter, a rainbow trout estimated to weigh between six and eight pounds.

Travis Parker and Justin Desbarbieux have caught Walter three years in a row. Desbarbieux’s stepson, Benjamin Bumstead, caught it in record time last year, less than half an hour.

The second and third-place grand prize fish ‘Rosie’ and ‘Berty’ are each worth $200 cash plus a free registration to OFAH day camp. The fourth grand prize (appropriately named ‘Kayak’) wins a sit-on kayak and paddle.

The all-ages derby will run from April 28 through May 5. For the third year, it will include tagged fish with cash prizes sponsored by local businesses.

“We still have fish in need of a local sponsor that will both challenge anglers and offset the cost of the stocked Trout for the youth derby,” said Ryrie.

Registration is required for all participants. Admission is $15 for the first child, $10 for siblings and $25 for adults. Purchase tickets online or in person at both Peterborough Canadian Tire locations.

The fish are being released into the canal on April 24 at 1 p.m.

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