Yes, it was hot, for sure, but that didn’t stop 263 fish from taking the bait at Deka Lake and District Volunteer Fire Department’s (VFD) 26th annual fishing derby, Aug. 1 and 2. This was one more than in 2008. Ticket sales totalled a handsome 669.

Fourteen rainbow were weighed in. Prizes went to Brent Carrier (2.2lbs); Larry Parks (2lbs); and Jenna Belhumeur (1.9lbs).

Kokanee numbered 132. The largest at 3 lb was brought in by year-old Claire Nieuwenhuizen, Larry and Moria Davies’ grand-daughter. Prizes also went to Fran Vezina (2.8lbs); and Len Loss (2.7lbs).

Of 117 lakers, the largest (18.1lbs) was weighed in by Alberta’s 16 year old Matt Sandersen, who also won the Don and Marion Traill trophy for largest laker. Matt’s sister, Janine has won this trophy twice previously. Second prize went to Kauko Slaokannel (16.7lbs); and third to Jerry Renney (7.2lbs).

As the under-twelves caught only one rainbow, children’s prizes were given to four places for each of kokanee and lake trout. Lachlan Kusel of Burnaby won for his 1.5lbs rainbow. In the laker category, prizes went to 7 year old Riley Schoenfelder (7lbs); 10 year old Jerry Renney Jr. (5.1lbs); and 10 year old Lucas Nuessler (2.5lbs).

Megan Belhumeur won first prize for her 1.3lbs kokanee, followed by Brylee Devlin and Kayla Devlin, both of whom weighed in 1.2lbs fish.

Belle Neufeld of Chilliwack was delighted to receive a handsome gift for being the oldest mother present; and 50/50 winners were Greg Gibbon and Natalie McCaw.

Amongst the many superb donations valued at some $10,000, Carlos Dionisio of Pro-Line Fence donated a large dog enclosure worth over $1,000, which was won by Bridge Lake’s Jack Larson.

Special recognition goes to teen visitors Gayle Nieuwenhuizen and Mitchell Leclerc who, without one break, spent the entire afternoon painting little faces.

The VFD is most grateful to their Ladies Auxiliary for manning the children’s games and pop-stand, and for the sun-tents; to Deka Lake and District Ratepayers for catering meals; for the terrific public support, and especially for the generosity of its many sponsors.

Sulphurous Lake District Volunteer Firefighters Association was equally happy with their 32nd annual derby on Aug. 2. A total of 48 fish were caught, nearly three times last year’s total; they included one laker and four rainbow from Hathaway Lake, and 43 kokanee from Sulphurous Lake. Some 325 tickets were sold.

Rainbow prizes were awarded to Halle McCaffrey (1lb 12 oz); Ernie Dunningham (12oz); John Shaw (10oz); and Jennifer Hoskins (8oz).

In the kokanee category, prizes went to Jim Scott and Stan Vernon who tied with 1 lb 5 oz fish; Al Vernon (1lb 4.5 oz); Brian McGregor (1lb 4 oz); and Phyllis Donnan and Dave Powis who both brought in 1lb 3 oz fish. Kasey Gallagher’s laker weighed 2 lb 7 oz.

Only two children, Owen Grimes and Joey Wolkoski, actually weighed in pikeminnow, but every child received a prize.

After voicing appreciation to their many generous sponsors, especially major sponsor Donex Screamin’ Reel, VFD spokesperson Ed Frey concluded: “We had lots of children this year, which is good. There was a good crowd, lots of boats out even in the hot weather. Good turnout; we’re happy.