The Likely MayDay Fishing Derby was bigger and better than ever this year, said event organizers.
Emcee Tate Patton manned the weigh-in booth at Cedar Point Provincial Park on Quesnel Lake during the weekend where participants travelled from far and wide to enjoy the weekend and the community of Likely, while Steve Peterson worked hard to ensure everyone had a great weekend.
Out-of-town fishermen attended from Dawson Creek, Smithers, Washington and many other areas in between for the derby.
“It takes many hands behind the scenes, also, in order for an event of this magnitude to happen in such a tiny community,” said Victoria Schill, the Likely librarian and public relations worker for the Likely Chamber of Commerce. “I can hardly begin to thank of all I know who helped with the May Day celebrations and Fishing Derby.”
Fishermen were tasked with catching the biggest lake trout they could where $1,000 was up for grabs for the first-place adult prize.
And, with a 10.8-pound trout, Chris Maruszcuk took home the top prize. In second was Tom Townsend with an 8.8-pound fish to win $500, while third was Richard Sellers winning $300 with a 7.8-pound catch. Fourth went to Dena Steenson of Likely, who hauled in a 7.7-pound fish for $200.
In the children’s division it was Landin Wiggins taking home $100 for a 7.12-pound fish, while Ryley St. Onge caught a 6.1-pound fish to win $50.
The first place raffle prize draw, meanwhile, was claimed by Dena Steenson, who won a 2.5-horsepower 4-Stroke Kicker donated by Rosk Power Sports in Williams Lake.
This set off a course of ticket draws for dozens of prizes donated by Likely, Williams Lake and many other businesses in between.
“Thanks to all who sponsored the Fishing Derby this year and past years,” Schill said.