New Prize Class for Chantry

[Nick Toth]

The 2012 prize structure was settled and is posted on the Chantry site:

Chantry Derby

Well, we thought we had it settled, but about 2 weeks ago we were informed by LHFC executive member Mike Hahn that Walker Downriggers wished to establish a new prize for the largest Rainbow.

As it now stands they will be putting up a package in excess of $2500: 2 Walker Electric Downriggers; 2 large planer boards; 4 rods and reels, and a package consisting of Mini-Boards, baits, Deeper Divers and Trip Z Divers.

This is for Rainbow only. We'll probably see a Laker or Brown take the top Trout cash prize of $6000 again, but 'Bows have taken it in the past. If that's the case the winner could scoop both prizes.

On behalf of the other committee members I thank Walker Downriggers Inc., Mike and Darryl Choronzey. Apparently Darryl was instrumental in making this happen.

Our web master is on vacation so this is not on the site yet. If new developments arise I'll keep you posted.

[Richard Elliott Jr]

Great to here Nick, Thanx to everybody involved, very nice prize package
Tight Lines Richard

[DavidBedford]

Thats great to hear Nick, may have to take a wonder out to the deep blue. Thanks to all!

[Neil Herman]

Great news and a great company . My Walkers have stood up for years with no problems and they are a local company . Nice to see them coming foreword for the club .
PS - Dave , Aren't you taking a chance on being a little too specific on the location of the rainbows by mentioning " the deep blue " :P:P:P

[Josh Choronzey]

Awesome...
Think how many steelhead are out there in the offshore fishery....lots!

I had the chance to fish wayyy out in July last summer with my dad on his 27ft Mako offshore. We found depths of 500ft! Guess what we found scattered throughout the upper 40fow out there?....

[John Williams]

That is an awesome prize. I am hoping to try and fish this derby for the first time this year. Just getting use to the boat I got late last summer.

[Nick Toth]

Originally posted by John Williams
That is an awesome prize. I am hoping to try and fish this derby for the first time this year. Just getting use to the boat I got late last summer.

Look forward to meeting you, John. The Chantry is big, but not loud - we work hard to keep it laid back and low stress.

I don't know if you're local or not, but here is some local knowledge that won't show up on our web site or elsewhere.

Launch fees and parking can kill you elsewhere, but we have arrangements. Kincardine has 2 launch facilities that are always free as is parking. Saugeen Shores and Oliphant are also free but you may need a Chantry sticker. Those are the home communities with weigh stations - charges apply at other district marinas and ramps.

Transient berth space is usually, but not always available at transient rates. What many entrants don't know is that LHFC maintains seasonal berths in Kincardine behind the hatchery for boats up to about 18 feet(?) There just may be vacancies during the derby at very reasonable cost. Check with LHFC.

If you need accommodation, arrange it now. Google the Bruce County and individual municipal web sites for campgrounds, motels and B&B lodgings.

The Coast Guard, OPP Marine and MNR usually partner with us so they are out on patrol. Be very sure your kit is up to reg.

July/August is "Trolling" time. We'll happily sell you a ticket but onshore is pretty well dead for Trout and Salmon. Having said that, terrestrials will find Pike and trophy Smallmouth to be had along with the odd Perch, Walleye and other Panfish.

Consider this. We generally have about 1200 entrants. There are about 37 major cash and merch prizes graduated from over $200 up to $14000. We award a very good rod and reel combo each day at every weigh station for largest Salmon - a total of 48 sets worth about $100 each. So there you go - 85 really good prizes amongst 1200 people - better than 1 in 15.

Aside from that there is no beer tent, no stage, no entertainment and no commercial booths. We just fish, weigh fish and socialise.

[Blair Williamson]

Hey Nick , everything was great till the "No beer tent part " :P:P:P

[Nick Toth]

Originally posted by Blair Williamson
Hey Nick , everything was great till the "No beer tent part " :P:P:P

Yeah, well. You see Blair...

...beer is frowned upon in Bruce County. It's the Gaelic thing I guess.

I sneak the odd one when no-one is looking.

Whenever you're up here, I can arrange one for you.

[John Williams]

Hi Nick,
I knew a few guys who fished this derby, not too sure if they still do or not. I have always heard good things about the Chantry. I know the amount of fish caught has dropped just like the O.S Derby but I am really hoping to give this one a try this year.
Last summer I purchased a 16ft Searay and have been out on Lake Erie for Eyes and Steelhead and did fairly well and tried for Salmon a couple times on GBay but did not land anything.
If I am able to make it up this year, I will come and say hi and introduce myself. Thanks for your response.

[Nick Toth]

John, Our entry records show Salmon numbers are holding steady, but the winning weight and the average weights are growing nicely each year. I think the bellwether each year is the Bluewater which kicks off first.

[Brian Lang]

Just a note that fishing has changed reguarding tactics it's just not downriggers anymore lead core and dipsey's take a lot of fish!

[Rick Dwinnell]

Great Stuff and great prizes for this year's event!

Visit http://www.chantrychinook.com for full prize structure etc.

$14,000.00 cash for the top salmon is worth the ticket price of $30.00!

Good luck to all!