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Annual catfish derby raises funds and fun

By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor



HOLYOKE The weekend of July 20 through 22 will hopefully be a good time for fishing as that's when hundreds of anglers are anticipated to participate in the 27th Annual Catfish Derby.

Sponsored by the American Legion Post 351, cash prizes will be awarded to the top 20 largest fish caught from 6 p.m. July 20 to 2 p.m. July 22. The cost to participate in the derby is $10 per person and the proceeds will go to charities serving special needs children.

According to Don Partyka, the founder of the derby, the annual event has attracted as many as 600 participants and the fish caught range in size from five to 15 pounds. Weather conditions and the height of the river can affect the size and weight of the catch.

Partyka explained that licensed fishermen, once they buy their ticket could fish in the Connecticut River or any body of water that empties into the river in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire and Vermont.

Each ticket holder will receive a complimentary t-shirt.

The catfish need to be alive at the weigh-in station at the Legion Post on St. Kolbe Drive. Partyka said a pool is set up with an aerator and the catfish are retuned to the river at the conclusion of the derby.

There will be a prize of $250 for first place; $150 for second place; $125 for third and fourth place; $100 for fifth place; $50 for sixth through tenth place; and $25 for eleventh through twentieth place. There will also be two $25 door prizes.

Last year a 13-pound catfish caught by Daniel Arris won first place.

Tickets must be purchased before 6 p.m. on July 20.

Partyka said the event is a family affair with children participating along with adults.

A veteran angler himself, Partyka offered advice on catching catfish. He said he has caught them during both the day and night, but early evening seems to be the best time. A variety of bait can be used from soap he said Dial works best because it sinks to shiners to flies. His best luck has been with chucks of common eel.

The derby t-shirt is the admission ticket to the appreciation party conducted on Sept. 15 at the Post. Partyka said the party features free food, beverages and music as well as a raffle.

Tickets and t-shirts are available in advance at two locations: the American Legion Post #351, 50 St. Kolbe Dr., and Egg & I, 26 Main St., South Hadley Falls. Ticket only locations include: Fish On Bait & Tackle, 224 Lyman St., Holyoke, 413-538-7105; Dave's Pioneer, 137 Damon Road, Northampton, 413-584-9944; Valley Sports, Route 10, Easthampton, 413-527-9728; Pipione's Sport Shop, 101 Avenue A, Turners Falls, 413-863-4246; R & R Sport Shop, 16 Federal Street, Belchertown, 413-323-6785; Granby Bait, 178 South St., Granby, 413-467-7322; Red Bridge Bait & Tackle, 1129 East St., Ludlow 413-589-7957; DeBait Shop, 241 Boston Road, Springfield, 413-783-7819; B & G Sporting Inc., 1460 Russell Rd, Westfield, 413-568-7569; Action Marine & Water Sports, 1470 Dwight St., Holyoke, 413-538-8000; Brunelle's Marina, 1 Alvord St, South Hadley,413-536 3132; Gleason's Camper Supply, 9 Pearl St, Northampton, 413-584-4895; Oxbow Marina, Inc., Island Rd, Northampton, 413-584-2775; and Sportsman Marina, 1 Russell St, Hadley, 413-584-71441.

For more information, go to www.post351catfishderby.com or call 230-6959.