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Aiden Small, 4, proudly shows off his catch of the day.
Photo by Chung Chow
Anglers soak up the sun at Bullhead Derby
Their catch may have been relatively small,
but the smiles on the faces of the young anglers were at least as big as the
whales that frequent the coastline.
On a picture-perfect, sun-soaked Saturday
morning, 110 children—ranging in age from a mere nine months to 12 years—were
joined by 18 seniors, 65-plus, for two hours of fishing in the 28th annual
Bullhead Derby at Garry Point Park.
“Just seeing the expressions on their faces
is magic,” said event co-ordinator John Wells, a volunteer with the Richmond
Rods and Reels Society, which has hosted the derby for the past 20 years.
Reflecting the derby’s “family atmosphere,”
Wells said it is rewarding to see how many former participants now bring their
own kids out. This year, former Richmond Mayor Greg Halsey-Brandt even signed
up as a senior while his two grandsons took part in the kids’ division.
The official kick-off to the 72nd annual
Steveston Salmon Festival, the Bullhead Derby also owes part of its popularity
to the generous, and ongoing, support from the community. Every year, this
being no exception, businesses such as Pajo’s, White Spot, Boston Pizza and
Pacific Net and Twine step up to contribute prizes. As well, another group
donates $300 annually from a memorial fund that honours a Richmond resident who
lost his life while fishing when an over-hang gave way.
The longest bullhead catch at the 2017 derby
measured 10 inches, while prizes were also awarded to the youngest (nine months)
and oldest (86 years old) anglers.
All the participants in the derby received
prizes, with the first three finishers in each category also receiving trophies
and a fishing reel and rod. Others also took home tackle boxes for their
efforts.
“Seeing the kids have fun and learning to
fish, that’s what this is all about,” Wells said.
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