Sports

Island Lake Bass Fishing Derby returns this weekend

July 13, 2023   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

Get your fishing rods ready, and make sure your tackle box has everything you need so you have the best chance of reeling in a big one at the Island Lake Bass Fishing Derby this weekend.

Island Lake Conservation Area’s 13th annual Bass Fishing Derby will take place on July 15 – 16 as anglers cast their lines from shore or head out onto the lake on a boat in a bid to bring in the biggest fish.

With a little luck, some cloud cover may roll in, encouraging the fish to start biting. Bass typically are less active on bright sunny days, and anglers have more luck as the fish become more active on cloudy days.

The two-day event is hosted annually by Credit Valley Conservation, Credit Valley Conservation Foundation, and the Friends of Island Lake.

Anglers can win big catch prizes for the top 10 bass. There are also prizes for perch, crappie, and pike, as well as youth categories. Youths are not eligible for cash prizes.

There is a set of rules for the derby that all contestants must adhere to. Marshals patrol the lake in boats to ensure everyone is playing fairly. They also inspect all equipment before anglers head out just to make sure no one tries to bring in a ringer to claim some prize money.

Participants can bring their catch to derby officials, who will weigh and measure their fish and keep a leaderboard running throughout the contest.

The derby kicks off at 7:00 a.m. on July 15 and wraps up at 3:00 p.m. on July 16.

Those wanting to rent electric boats or purchase live bait can do so for an additional fee.

Anglers between 18 and 64 will require a valid fishing license to participate.

Registration for those 13 years of age and older is $50 for one day and $80 for two days. The youth fee is $10 per day.

Daily admission and boat launch fee is included in the registration fee.

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