by Tom Sasvari
MINDEMOYA—The second annual Central Manitoulin Youth March Break Fishing Tournament was a resounding success.
“We had an amazing total of 48 youths register in the second annual event,” said Marcus Mohr, community development/outreach coordinator of Central Manitoulin. “It’s wonderful to see the youth and their families enjoying the outdoors, creating memories, and carrying on traditions. It is the aim of the organizers to facilitate involvement in outdoor recreation and family time with this friendly youth tournament.”
In the 13-18 years old category the winner for catching the longest perch was Rylan Carrick in first place with a 13-and 5/16-inch perch; with Lucas Laquerre and Hudsyn Young in second and third, respectively. The lake trout category winners included Kohan Campbell in first with a 17- inch lake trout, with Anders Watson and Rylan Carrick finishing second and third.
In the 12 years of age and under category, for longest perch caught, Emma Becks took top spot with a 12-inch perch, with Ryley Corbiere in second and Lily Carrick third. The winners in the longest lake trout category included Graeme Becks in first with a 24-inch lake trout. Emma Becks was second, while the third prize was not awarded.
Closest to the mystery length category prizes were awarded to Mackenzie Hempel, Hudsyn Young, Kohan Campbell, Anders Watson, Ryley Corbiere, Emma Becks and Graeme Becks. The elusive walleye weren’t biting for youngsters in either age category so these prizes will be randomly drawn and evenly distributed to participants with other unawarded prizes, said Mr. Mohr.
“The big winner for the week was Emma Becks who won a whopping $450 in cash and prizes. Emma won the first-place perch $150 fishing gear package, the mystery length prize (for two perch) for a cash prize of $100. She was in second place in the Lake Trout division for a $100 cash prize and $100 in cash for a mystery length (one lake trout) prize. Congratulations Emma!” stated Mr. Mohr.
“We would like to thank all of the participants, their parents, guardians and the sponsors,” said Mr. Mohr. “The sponsors contributed $2,825.00 in cash and prizes this year and many of the youth and parents expressed their gratitude towards the organizers and sponsors and we would like to acknowledge them as well. We are truly blessed to live in a community where the people and businesses are always willing to rise to the occasion, especially when it comes to youth.”
Sponsors of the tournament included Jake’s Home Centre, Melvin E. Van Horn Insurance Brokers Ltd., D.A Williamson Hardware/Up Top Sports Shop, Manitoulin Chrysler, Rylan’s Clothing, Mountain View Resort, Kat’s Pet Supplies, E’s Flowers and Gifts by Design, Manitoulin Tree Service, Wilson’s Corner Store, Mindemoya Guardian Pharmacy, Buie’s Grocery and the Dean and Robin Nadorozny family.
The youth fishing tournament was held between March 10-19.
