Spring 2002 LOC Derby kicks off the season

The 2002 Spring LOC Derby is scheduled for April 26 to May 5. In addition to the top 81 (grand prize winner and top 20 in each of the four divisions) there will again be another 36 anglers that will be cashing in. The largest fish caught (lakewide) in each of the four categories of salmon, lake trout, brown trout, and rainbow/steelhead for each of the first nine days of the derby will win $100 each.

Grand prize adult winner (largest fish caught overall) will win $10,000 and a free mount donated by Mt. Man Taxidermy of Orleans County. An additional $20,600 in cash prizes will be paid out and more than $15,000 in merchandise prizes will be given away at the weigh stations and at the awards ceremony. The awards ceremony will be held the final day of the derby, May 6 at 6 p.m. at the Roger J. Robach Community Center located at Charlotte Beach in Monroe County.

Youth ages 11 and under can register for $5; youth ages 12 to 15 can register as an adult and pay $25 adult fee, or register as a youth for $5 (not both). All youth proceeds are given back to youth winners. Youth division prizes are donated by Okuma, a sponsor of the derby. Each weigh station will award an Okuma Rod & Reel Combo to the largest fish weighed in by a youth at their station. In addition, the grand prize youth will receive a free mount donated by Animal Art Taxidermy.

Anglers need to be registered by 7 a.m. of the first day they wish to fish. Anglers can register online at www.loc.org, fax in their registrations to 315-539-4907, or call headquarters at 888-REEL-2-IN, or by visiting any of the 50+ registration sites located along Lake Ontario.

Additional sponsors of the spring derby are Northern King Lures, Hotspot, Fish Hawk Electronics, Mt. Man Taxidermy, Triple S Sporting Goods, Musky Joe Tours, Underwater Technologies, Inc., L.J. Roemer Mfg. Co., American Legion Vietnam Post #1902, Lowrance Electronics, N&D Baits, Eagle Claw, Animal Art Taxidermy, Lake Ontario Online, Lake Ontario Outdoors, Lockport Wal-Mart, PRADCO, QuiKnot, R & R Tackle, Dream Catcher Charters, and Fish-On Charters.