The WHIP (Wellington Harbour Improvement Program) 3rd annual Fishing Derby for Adults and Juniors (under 18 Sept 30th) starts this Saturday July 14th to Sept 30th.
Five categories of fish, Walleye,Pike, Perch, Salmon,Largemouth Bass.
All funds from this Derby go to improving amenities in Wellington Harbour. Todate WHIP has financed 10 new boat slips, and replaced 100 feet of floating dock, at the end of the main dock.Future plans are to install more docks/platforms on the west side of the channel, south of the launch ramp.
Prizes for this years Derby are better than ever, value over $6,000.00 with a chance to win a free one year lease of a Toyota Tacoma truck (value $10,000) in the hidden weight competition.
This level of prizes is due to two companies becoming major sponsors of the Derby.
Rapala, a household name when is comes to fishing lures, is sponsoring the Junior section, which will be called the"Rapala WHIP Junior Derby"
Belleville Toyota is the major sponsor of the Adult section and the hidden weight competition, known now as "Toyota WHIP Adult Derby"
John Newton Vice President Sales, Rapala (Normark Canada) says " Rapala is delighted to support a derby that encourages our youth to fish responsibly, by live releasing fish to ensure plentiful stocks for future generations to enjoy. The objectives of WHIP to improve amenities in Wellington Harbour, for both shore and boating anglers, has our full support, and we at Rapala wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Derby, and of course lots of fish weighed in and released."
George Farlow, owner of Belleville Toyota, says " Many of our customers are anglers, in this rich fishing area, and I hope that our support of this Derby will encourage more families to enjoy together,the outdoors and fishing. "
Brad Strauss, General manager (a Wellington resident), comments,"We have seen the improvements in Wellington harbour due to WHIP's efforts, and we at Toyota want to be partners and support this commendable community event"
Tickets and full details of the WHIP Derby are available at the Reel Thing Fishing Pro Shop in Wellington, 613 399 3649 and details can be viewed at
http://www.thereelthingfishing.com