Wayne County fishing derby underway

The Wayne County 5GrandSlam and Merchants Challenge Fishing Derby started April 1 and the perch fishing has been so phenomenal that the odds of a two-pound perch being weighed are excellent, according to organizers. Local anglers Lou Rambo and Josh Smith have both weighed perch at 1 lb. 10 oz.

Close to 175 anglers have signed-up for the derby which continues through September 2. The fishing contest consists of Three Divisions. To qualify for the 5GrandSlam Division anglers must catch all five species of trout and salmon found in Lake Ontario; brown trout, lake trout, steelhead, king and coho salmon. After qualifying, contestants can add to their total weight.

The same procedure is used for the Merchants Challenge Division. Anglers have to qualify by catching the five warm water species; pike, walleye, perch, largemouth and smallmouth bass. Again, total weight determines the winner, and anglers can continue to add to their weight during the derby. The third division of the 5GrandSlam and Merchants Challenge Derby is the Species Division. Catch the largest fish in all ten species and you win.

This year's total cash payout is $5,000 in the Adult Division. The Youth Division consists of prizes. During the event there will be special drawings. Registration is $12 for adults and $5 for children six and under. Information is available at local bait shops or by calling the Wayne County Office of Tourism at 1-800-527-6510.