The harbour walls in Owen Sound were lined with people fishing on Saturday, while dozens of boats with down riggers plied the waters of Georgian Bay, all of them trying to reel in the big one.
The salmon run is on and so is the annual fishing derby. Barry Mclay has been taking part in the Salmon Spectacular since the event started 28 years ago and says the fish here are second to none.
“The big thing is there are many fishing derbies all over, but the fish in Georgian Bay you can eat. Nobody would feel bad eating a fish out of here; always clean fish.”
The Salmon Spectacular started out as a way for the local sportsman’s club to raise money for fish stocking and conservation projects, but over the years the event has grown to become an important boost for the tourism industry too. It’s estimated that the event injects more than a million dollars into the local economy every year.
“It's amazing you know and the diversity of where they are from if you look at the fish entry board you will see names from all over the province that have come here to enjoy our festival that we have had for 28 years. It's amazing it's lasted this long,” says Fred Geberdt, Salmon Spectacular co-chair.
About 50,000 people are expected to attend during the 10 day event.
“We do the vacation the kids come over we have lots of fun it's good to get everybody out and bond, it's really good,” Shawn McEwen.
Shannon Harnack reeled in a 13 pound salmon, which wasn't quite big enough to make it onto the leader board, but will make a hearty meal for her family. The leading salmon in the derby is over 20 lbs.
The event continues until next Sunday, with prizes being awarded every day.
