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Fishing Derby held at Cassadaga Lake

Sportsman’s Journal

OBSERVER Photo by Gene Pauszek Khale Haase-Smith, Zachary Bistoff, Claire Knicely, Chelsea Jonson, Nicole Tampio, Logen Hayward, Paige Zybert and Zach Wise were division winners in the 25th annual Lew Meade Memorial Cassadaga Lakes Association fishing Derby.

Rain couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the young contestants entered in the 25th Lew Meade Memorial Kids fishing derby held on Cassadaga Lake, and sponsored by the Cassadaga Lakes Association. Over 5o anglers aged 16 years and younger participated in this years event. Just like any fishing event, some caught fish and others didn’t, but that’s why it’s called “fishing-not-catching!” The weigh-in was scheduled for 11:00 a.m. at the state boat launch at Lily Dale Drive and all the fish were released back into the lake. I spoke with the division winners in the age/boy/girl categories to find out what they caught and what they used. In the eight to ten age group, Khale Haase-Smith caught a perch while Zachary Bistoff caught a 14 and 3/4 inch long large mouth bass to secure the seven and under title. Claire Knicely used a rubber worm to take her 16 and 3/8 long large mouth bass. Chelsea Jonson took the seven and under bracket with a small mouth bass, while Nicole Tampio secured the 14-16 age bracket girls division with a nine inch yellow perch. Logen Hayward had a good shot at bigfish honors in the boys division with his 18 3/4inch large mouth bass caught on a plastic worm, but 16 year old Zach Wise took top honors in the 14-16 year age bracket with his overall largest fish , a 26 inch northern pike caught on an orange rapala. Paige Zybert grabbed the 11 to 14 age bracket with a nice perch. Everyone went home with prizes as the sponsors came through to ensure everyone would be a winner. Sponsors for this years event were: Canadaway Creek Outfitters who donated a guided fishing trip for a youth and parent to Canadaway Creek later in the year when the steelhead trout are running. Everyone was in the running for this prize which was determined by drawing and the winner was Chelsea Jonson. Other sponsors were: The Cassadaga Lakes Association, Cabelas, The Red House for Youth, Ron’s Treasures, Chautauqua County’s Fraternity of Friends, KCR, Cassadaga Country Club, Sam and Judi Violenti, Kevin & Elaine Bauer, Fredrickson’s Lumber, King Kone, McDonalds, Tim Horton’s Arby’s, Cassadaga Community Bank. Chautauqua County Sportsmen’s Association, Pizza Hut, The American Legion Post 1280, Gene Pauszek/OBSERVER, Cassadaga Shurfine, Burger King, Jo Jo’s Asian Cafe, and Dunkin Donuts.. Hot dogs and fruit drinks and bottled water were available for everyone at the weigh-in. Everyone was sporting a smile including the workers, who ran the program with smooth perfection, including the clean up and take down. Another great job and I am looking forward to next years event.

As a side note, to those readers who are friends and family, Annie Pauszek, my mother passed away peacefully Friday evening around 7:10 p.m. at Brooks Memorial Hospital. An obituary will be forth coming.

Calendar:

June 29 is the date for the second annual WNY Heroes Military Veterans Walleye Fun Fish Day. The event is based out of the Dunkirk Harbor from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m. Rain or Shine. Veterans in the competition can weigh in one walleye or one bass. Lunch will be provided by the Northern Chautauqua conservation Club from 2 – 4 p.m. To participate complete the sign-up form at eepurl.com/dp97JD or contact Chairman CaptaCalendarin Jim Steel at 716-481-5348.

July 7 is the next walleye tournament with the Lake Erie Big Dawg Walleye Tournament. This is a one day five walleye day. Optional Big Fish Friday is on July 6. Unlimited boat field with two to five anglers per boat. $500 entry fee. 100 percent pay back. Call Mark Mohr for details at 998-9871 or go to rayzorbigdawg.com.

OBSERVER Photo by Gene Pauszek Claire Knicely (left) was the winner of the 14-16 year old girls division with a 16 and 3/8 inch bass and Zach Wise winner of the boys 14-16 age bracket, won with a 26 inch northern pike. They both won kayaks from Tractor Supply for their biggest fish overall.

July 21 is the 8th annual Sunset Bay Shoot Out. This event is full. Contact Captain Don Ruppert at 435-4137 or go to walleyeshootout.com.

August 3, 4, and 5 are the dates for the Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club walleye derby. A three day tourney, with three walleye per day allowed entry. Two to four angers per boat.

August 25 is the Innovative Outdoors walleye Challenge out of Dunkirk. A one day tournament with optional Big Fish Friday on August 24. Limited to 65 boats with the registration deadline on August 1. Contact Jim Steel at 481-5348 or go to lakeeriewalleyetournament.com.

The Children of the Stream Youth Fly Fishing Program will be starting its 18th year of providing weekly free fly tying and fly fishing classes to both youths and adults in our area. Note that classes will SWITCH from Wednesday evenings from 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. to Tuesday evenings at the Costello Community Room (P84) in the new addition to the Rockefeller Arts Center at SUNY Fredonia. You do not need any prior experience to attend these classes, and the course is geared towards ages 10 and older. For more information contact Alberto Rey at 410-7003 or alberto@albertorey.com.

If your club or organization is holding a hunter safety training/trapping course or a turkey shoot or any other outdoors event, and would like to see it posted in the calendar, send information to the OBSERVER, 10 East Second Street, Dunkirk, NY 14048, or call the sports department at 366-3000 ext. 5 after 6 p.m.

OBSERVER Photo by Gene Pauszek Everyone had fun at the fishing derby!

Note: If you have a big game fishing or trapping success story you would like to share, call 366-1772, or 467-2079 and leave a name, phone number and a time you can be reached. You can also call 366-3000, ext. 5, after 6 p.m. or email sports@observertoday.com.

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