Advertisement “We decided to expand the boundaries of the tournament because of comments from some of the fisherman whose favorite holes were ‘out of bounds’ last year,” said Steve Plenge, a Friend of Lake Neshonoc committee member and one of the event’s organizers.
According to Plenge, last year’s derby drew more than 300 fishermen. “We’re hoping to do better than that this year,” he said.
Prizes will be awarded in three categories of fish — bluegills, crappies and northerns. First place in each category will net the lucky angler $350. A second place finish will be good for $200 and third place will earn $100.
Although, as always, the fishing contest is the heart of the event, there will be many other attractions including door prizes, games, raffles, a 50-50 drawing, kickball, food and beverages.
“The raffles are new this year,” Plenge said. “They will run all day, and we’ll be giving out door prizes all day, too.”
All monies raised for the event will go back into improving the lake through stocking and habitat improvement.
“Besides stocking, we’ve added cribs, maintained the beach and provided handicapped access,” noted Plenge.
He added that many groups and individuals help out with the event. They include the West Salem and Bangor Rod and Gun Clubs, Muskies Inc. and Game Getters.
“There’s a lot of work behind all of this,” Plenge said. “A lot of individuals donate their time and equipment, things like generators, lighting, and heaters.”
Plenge, who is also chairman of the West Salem Tourism Committee, said he believes that nothing but good can come out of community members getting together to run an event like this.
“I look at it as a win-win situation for tourism in West Salem,” he said. “It’s a great way to promote the lake.”
Anyone interested in helping out the Friends of Lake Neshonoc can contact Plenge at 786-3340 or Dave Hundt at 786-0256 or just show up between 9 and 10 a.m. on the day of the event.
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