FIRST NATIVE ALLIANCE FISHING DERBY A SUCCESS
Published in the Pontiac Journal on March 12, 2025.
The Otter Lake Native Alliance hosted a successful family fishing derby on Farm Lake on Saturday, March 1, at the Raymond Johnston Centre. The day began with registration and a hearty community lumberjack breakfast.
Fishing huts were set up around the lake as participants enjoyed a record-breaking day, with 34 bass caught. The competition heated up in the afternoon with a dart tournament. Winners Daniel Gravelle, Roger Brown and Guy Gravelle each took home $175 for first place. Nathan Brown claimed the high score among men, while Stacy Lafleur earned the top score among women.
Excitement filled the hall when it was announced that Kim Ayotte and Kassandra Fleury had tied for first place in the fishing derby. Each caught a 15¾-inch bass, and they split the $500 top prize donated by B&B Snow Services.
The $20 entry fee included a community spaghetti supper, dessert, a chance to win raffle prizes donated by local businesses and organizations, and an evening of rock and roll with The Dukes of Charteris, who donated their time to entertain the crowd.
Korbyn Keller of Westmeath received a special $25 cash prize for Sportsman of the Day for being the first child to register early Saturday morning and for bringing in the first fish of the day, a 14½-inch bass.
The event also featured a food drive for Bouffe Pontiac. Participants who donated food were entered into a draw to win a weekend of fishing at Lac Forant Outfitter. Trisha Barker was the lucky winner.
Plans are already underway for next year’s tournament. – Crystal Dubeau
Photo: Fish caught by Kassandra Fleury (pictured here with Jason Brown), who tied with Kim Ayotte with her 15¾-inch bass and split the $500 prize donated by B&B Snow Services. (CW)
