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Annual Catfish Derby committee preparing to receive entries, participate in expo
That’s one of the messages derby volunteers will be broadcasting at the International Sportsmen's Expo in Sacramento.
California’s largest outdoor exposition hosts more than 600 exhibitors drawing outdoor sports enthusiasts from throughout the country and beyond.
The expo runs from Jan. 16 to 19.
As in years past, derby volunteers will be traveling to Sacramento to represent the derby and Lake County in general at the Lake County Chamber of Commerce booth.
“The Catfish Derby is the largest of its kind west of the Mississippi, a feature we highlight with the folks that visit our booth,” said Jim Jonas, one of the derby volunteers who represented Lake County at the chamber booth last year.
“We get to talk with lots of anglers. Some, like the returning bass and catfish anglers, know Clear Lake well, he said, and many drop in when they see our sign to reminisce about visits they remember from their youth. But the best part is the excitement that builds when we encounter folks who have yet to experience the bounty of our lake. We talk it up and watch the interest build,” Jonas said.
In addition to Jonas, other derby volunteers will be on hand to promote Lake County, distribute the information rich Lake County Destinations Magazine and hand out sign up information for the derby.
Clearlake Oaks resident Dennis Locke, who is again leading the derby effort, said he expects in the neighborhood of 900 to 1,000 catfishing devotees this year.
“Last year the rain kept some people home, but interestingly enough it was our local numbers that were down, not the out-of-towners,” Locke said.
People like last year’s first-place winner, Ricardo Palayo, who took home $4,000 in prize money for his 27.29-pound catch, said he would definitely be back – rain or shine.
Others, regulars from places as far away as Hood River, Oregon, have attended the derby for many years.
Last year “Team Hood Cats,” a three-generation group, won the Spirit of Lake County award, proclaiming they would return, this time with four generations of catfishing enthusiasts.
Locke said we look forward to seeing them and others, like the Ocheltree family and their friends. “Scarlett, one of the Ocheltree children, landed the largest fish in the 2018 Catfish Derby. They come back year after year,” Locke said.
About 35 percent of the participants are locals. “Of course we love the ongoing participation from our locals. Last year, in the 10 years and under kids division, 7-year-old Blake Re of Nice won $100 for his 22.82-pound catfish. Other locals have made the derby a family tradition, like Mike and Barbara Higman whose family has been fishing in the derby for years,” Locke said.
The Clearlake Oaks-Glenhaven Business Association sponsors the derby.
“It’s our signature fundraiser,” said Camille Gouldberg, president of the association. “Last year we donated $30,000 back to our community; this year’s derby will assure that we can continue to support our schools and sports teams and the many local programs that help our communities thrive.”
“While the majority of our volunteers come from the Oaks and nearby Glenhaven and Clearlake, we have volunteers that live all around the lake that come to help out and enjoy the festivities,” said Locke.
This year, the derby will begin on Friday, May 15, and conclude on Sunday, May 17, with an awards ceremony and barbecue. The Clearlake Oaks Fire Station will again serve as derby headquarters.
Entries will be accepted by mail or in person at Limit Out Bait and Tackle, Clearlake Oaks or Lakeport Bait and Tackle, Lakeport. Entries will also be accepted in person at Derby headquarters beginning at noon on Thursday, May 14.
Locke noted that the entry fees are increasing this year to help offset increasing costs associated with the derby.
“We haven’t increased derby fees in 15 years. This year we felt it was necessary in order to continue a quality event,” he said.
Adult entries are $50, up $10 from last year if received by 11 p.m. Thursday, May 14. Entries received after will be $60. Children’s entries have not been increased and are still $10 every day.
“We have also increased our first prize award in the adult division from $4,000 to $5,000,” Locke said. “As important as the awards are, it’s the camaraderie that builds with each passing year that makes the Annual Catfish Derby a success.”
Locke also said the derby committee and all the volunteers are looking forward to another great event.
To sign up, volunteer or for more information call 707-596-0248 or visit the derby website at www.clearlakeoaks.org/derby.