Once again, my son and grandsons arrived at Hay Bay all psyched for the Walleye World Derby. Everyone was fully prepared with winter clothes and boots to face the impending rain and cold.
Prior to going fishing, the mandatory camp picture was taken.
We hit the water on Saturday morning and headed for the fishing grounds (Cement Plant) and set the rods and boards and were fishing at 0915. The mood on the boat was high and everyone was anticipating the first strike. It didn't take too long and the board disappeared. Have we got the winner!!!!!!!!
It was William's turn at the rod and he slowed reeled the board to Grandad and brought the fish to the surface and the awaiting net. It's a nice fish. The scale showed 7.5lbs and new Personal Best for William.
The decision was made to take the fish to Perfect Vue to enter the fish and it was registered and William topped the Junior Walleye with a fish at 7.34lbs. What a great start.
We headed back out to see if we could get another one. We trolled several passes and as the clock was winding down to our departure for home, I had begun to reel the rods off one side and as I got the second rod stowed, the outer board fired and Albert was on the rod. Dave reeled in the inner rod and Albert followed the instructions for slow reeling and no jerking the rod. Took the planer board off and the fish surfaced and was swept into the net. Another good looking walleye. The scale showed about 7lbs, so we had a pair of entries into the Derby.
If you are wondering what are you using - here's the shot of the fish and the lure.
We were off to Perfect Vue Weigh station again, these guys are getting to know us. The fish was active in the holding tank and it tipped the scale at 7.49lbs. This one is bigger than the first. With the registration, the computer updated and the first two places were our two fish.
This was a personal best for Albert, two PB's on the same morning - What a Day!!!!!!!!
After lunch, the agonizing period began as we watched the leader board to see if someone else landed a bigger fish. The afternoon rain kept us at camp, as we were drying all the gear from the morning.
Going to bed, the boys were still watching the board and they were fearful of being bested during the night. Sunday AM found that nothing had changed. Back to Long Reach to try a different technique. Everyone got their rods and we had them rigged with Uzick Spinners. We trolled off the High Shore opposite the entrance to Hay Bay, marking a lot of fish and then Albert said he thought he had a bite and with some reeling, the rod bent and a fish was on!!!!!
Reeling slowly he brought the fish up and Dave slipped the net under the fish and it was ours. Another nice walleye, tipped the scale at 6.5lbs. Not big enough to upgrade the leader board.
Back to camp for lunch and clean up as we planned to head to Trenton.
Arrived at the big tent in Trenton and the boys were still in the lead as the clock wound dow to 1600 hrs. After the 4PM deadline passed, congratulations were offered to the two boys.
The presentation ceremony took place and William as 2nd prize winner received a bow & arrow set.
Then the winner was presented with a fishing charter that is being looked forward to with great enthusiasm.
Everyone is happy with the results. I would like to mention that William showed outstanding fortitude when his fish was displaced on the leader board. He told us that it was a team effort and everyone is on the same team.
It made Grandad very proud for his attitude and ability to show team-spirit.
Plans are being looked at for next year, as Albert will leave the Junior's and look to continue his fishing in the Senior Division.
The weather wasn't great but the fishing made for a great weekend, lots of fun, fishing and feasting.
Stay Tuned
David (Grandad) aka Superdad