Trout and Salmon Derby kicks-off August 16

The 2002 Fall Lake Ontario Counties (LOC) Derby will take place August 16 - September 2 along the seven counties that border Lake Ontario - Cayuga, Jefferson, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans, Oswego, and Wayne. Grand prize for the largest fish caught during the derby is $20,000 and a free mount donated by Mt. Man Taxidermy of Orleans County. $100 prizes will be given for the largest fish caught each day in four categories: salmon, lake trout, brown trout, and rainbow/steelhead.

Other cash awards and prizes include $33,500 in cash and more than $20,000 in merchandise including free mounts, fishing tackle, and fishing charters. These 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, September 2 at 6 p.m. at the Roger J. Robach Community Center located at Charlotte Beach in Monroe County.

Additionally, in the Youth Division, ages 11 and under can register for $5. Youth ages 12-15 may enter the derby as either a youth (registration fee $5) or as an adult (registration fee $25), but not both. All proceeds in this division are given back to youth winners. Youth division prizes are once again being 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 that station. In addition, the grand prize youth winner will receive a free mount donated by Charles Dawson Taxidermy of Henderson Harbor.

Anglers must be registered by 7 a.m. on the first day they wish to fish. They can register on-line at www.loc.org or fax their registration to 315/539-4907 or call headquarters at 888/REEL-2-IN (733-5246) or by visiting one of 50 registration sites along Lake Ontario.