Twenty-five years ago a cameraman saw potential in Cranberry Portage and envisioned a fishing derby.
Don LaMont’s vision carried forward and the Trout Challenge was born.
In 1989 residents Dale Cowan and Ted Smith brought the idea to Greenstone Economic Development Corporation to form a fishing association. From there, the Trout Challenge began.
The event was the first catch-and-release tournament of its kind in Canada.
This year, the event will celebrate a quarter century with bigger prizes – and lots of them. First place carries a prize of $5,000.
As of Friday morning there were already 43 teams registered.
Committee member Tiffany Anderson says that is ahead of the usual registration rate. “(It) is up considerable for this time when compared to other years,” she said.
“We would be thrilled if there were 70 teams entered, but we are prepared for more if they come.”
The top 25 teams are guaranteed to receive cash prizes.
“In previous years all prizes except first were prorated based on the number of boats that entered. A surplus did accumulate over the years as a result of funds generated from the social evening and penny parade held on Friday evening, and the revenue from the beer gardens held in the park,” said Anderson.
“The committee felt the 25th anniversary was a good time to give back the funds to the anglers who have fished the derby over the years and to entice new anglers to give the derby a try.”
Along with cash prizes there will be merchandise prizes for categories such as youngest angler, furthest away and hard luck.
In years past Anderson says the longest fish caught was a 42.5-inch trout in 2012. Before that, the record was shared by two anglers in 2007 with 42-inch fish.
A catch like that could reel in some serious cash this year, with $5,000 on the line.
“The excitement of watching the boats take off from the shotgun start in the early morning and return in the late afternoon with the pictures of the trout they landed and the stories about the ones that got away are as exciting today as they were 25 years ago,” said Anderson.
Anglers are required to supply their own boat for the Trout Challenge.
There are suitable fishing boats available for rent for teams of two.
As well, anglers must follow the Manitoba Fishing regulations and hold a valid fishing licence where required.
“Participants who do not require a fishing licence under Manitoba regulations because of age or who verify they are a member of a First Nation are not required to
purchase one to participate in the derby,” said Anderson.
Teams of two will be casting in Lake Athapap for the Saturday and Sunday event, which Anderson says is open to all ages.
“There are no restrictions on age and we have had many young anglers who fish with a parent,” she said.
Anderson adds that anglers who have won titles such as the youngest angler often continue to compete and move on to win prizes as adults.
Participating anglers will be required to measure and photograph their four largest fish of each day and submit these for judging.
In the past, anglers were required to take Polaroid cameras to document their catch. Today’s technology allows them to take digital pictures, which are now compiled into a slideshow that is played in the park following the event.
Anglers must register to compete in the Trout Challenge along with their $150 team fee.
Registration forms can be found on the Cranberry Portage Trout Challenge Facebook page or on the website at www.google.com/site/cranberry troutchallenge.
Forms are to be filled out and returned via mail at Box 46, Cranberry Portage, or they can be brought to the rules meeting on Friday, Aug. 1 at the Curling Rink.
Past that, registration forms can be submitted the morning of the competition before boats leave for the day.
Anderson says though it is not mandatory, it “would be wise to attend the rules meeting to see how pictures need to be taken, know when they need to be off the lake each day to submit photos, and to ask any questions.”
To keep the fun in the competition a boat parade will make its way around Friday before the rules meeting. It will give teams a chance at making their entry fee back before the fishing even begins.
