Photo: Two big winners - largest catch (and $2,000 winner) Robert Ryan and the new owner of the Pelican boat package, Darryl MacCharles

A family fishing event hosted by the Optimist Club of Stanley Park.

In 2010, the Optimist Club of Stanley Park in Kitchener hosted its 24th annual Grand River Bass Derby. This live-release event is organized as a family affair to increase awareness of local fishing opportunities and resources. The only fish that may be entered in this derby are smallmouth bass caught in the Grand River. All fish entries are measured, weighed and returned to the Grand River at various times throughout the derby. No fish were lost this year!

Entry Fees for the 2010 Derby: Adult (16 & over) $20, Youth (9-15) $5, Junior (8 & under) FREE 

2010 PRIZES Adult Division
1st Prize- $2,000 CASH won by Robert Ryan 20 1/4"
2nd Prize - $1,000 CASH - Wes Reidel 19 7/8"
3rd Prize - $500 CASH - Gary Boettger 19 3/4"
4th Place - Prize Package from Natural Sports - Ryan Andrade 19 1/2"
5th Place - Prize package from Natural Sports - Andrew Heutinck 19 1/2"

2010 PRIZES Junior Division
1st - Ryan Etches 18 5/16"
2nd - Kyle Vaughan 17"
3rd - Ethan Kreller 16 7/8"
4th - Jenna Kip 16 3/4"
5th - Alex Murrin 16 5/16"

 
There was also a $1,000 prize for each of the two "Tagged" Fish - neither of which was claimed during the Derby but participants still had the opportunity to earn a smaller prize if one of the tags was turned in to Natural Sports by the year's end.. (Sponsored by Logel's Auto Parts)

Grand Prize Draw -Winner of the Pelican Bass Raider Mini Bass Boat was Darryl MacCharles.

Proceeds from the Derby are used to maintain and develop the Stanley Park Optimist Natural Area located along the J.A. Pollock Family Trailway of the Walter Bean Grand River Trail in Kitchener. This 20 acre site, on the west side of the river by highway #7, includes 2 ponds for fish reproduction, a marsh area, parking and a canoe launch as well as walking and biking trails. Future proceeds are committed to maintain and develop this area as a key public access point to the Grand River, fish spawning area and wildlife habitat.