There’s $25,000 on the line if the tagged fish is caught, not to mention more than $100,000 in prizes, at Flinty’s Fishing Derby this Sunday.
With this being the first-ever Flinty’s Fishing Derby, co-director Glenn Smith says anglers should get their tickets if they haven’t already picked them up.
There will be nearly 1,000 holes drilled off the shore of Sally’s Beach with close to 500 anglers expected to drop a line on Sunday at 11 am.
As of midweek, Smith suspected about 250 tickets had been sold locally for the derby, not including those sold in The Pas.
“It’s lots of work, but we’re making real progress,” Smith said. “We’re either on schedule or ahead of schedule, so we’re happy about that.”
With more than $100,000 in prizes up for grabs, Smith says he hopes to see a bustling crowd.
The first-place winner in the derby will walk away with $21,000 with the tagged fish winning an instant $25,000.
“There’s lots of prizes,” said Smith. “There’s a boat and motor, a quad, even down to the 15th place prize is worth $1,100. The prizes are great.”
While advance tickets are on sale, Smith says anglers are more than welcome to purchase walk-up tickets.
“The Pas does 400 walk-ups so we’ll be well equipped to do walk-ups,” he said. “But, the closer we get to the derby we hope more tickets are sold. We hope to continue with strong sales.”
Equipment
Smith encourages anglers and spectators to be ready for a wet ice surface. His advice? Dress warm and wear rubber boots, and bring a fold-up chair, a fishing rod and bait.
No live bait is allowed for fishing. All anglers must have a Manitoba fishing license to participate.
Smith also suggests anglers wear sunglasses to prevent sun glare from the ice.
Pop-up shacks or enclosed shelters will not be permitted during the derby, though Smith says tarps and other wind-blocking methods can be constructed.
“I’ve seen guys get really crafty with snow blocks and make a fort,” said Smith, though he noted there would not be enough snow for that idea.
“We just don’t want to have people inside a tent where you can’t see them,” he said, noting that the prize money on the line makes for a serious competition.
Tickets
Tickets for Flinty’s Fishing Derby are available online at www.flintyfishderby.com or Kleen All in Flin Flon for $80 a person. Walk-up tickets will be the same price and available at the registration tent on Sunday.
Anglers will drop their lines at 11 am on Sunday, though Smith encourages everyone to be on site by 10:30 am.
More than 140 early bird tickets were purchased, giving anglers the chance at “super holes.” Those lucky enough to win a super hole will be escorted to their pre-determined holes before the start of the derby.
All anglers will be eligible to fish from 11 am until 2 pm. There will be both a concession and beer gardens on site.
Parking attendants will help direct drivers to the best available parking spot. Transportation from parked cars to the ice will be available if needed.
