This weekend: 12th Annual Monte Farrel Shad Derby!

This weekend is one I have had circled on my calendar for a few months now!   Up in Chipman, NB they are having their 12th annual Monte Farrel Shad Derby.   This is an event I have visited twice before with my friend IPop (John Cail) and despite not catching any shad, and dealing with a lot of rain one time,  I have had a great time on both occasions.

My first trip there, was prior to me having ever landed a shad before, so I was quite green and didn't really know what I was doing.   I did hook into two shad that day but lost them both as I tried to bring them in way too quickly.    The second time there, despite the wonderful sunny weather, all I could catch were chub and yellow perch (and lots of them!).

This time however things will be different!   I've already landed close to 20 shad this Spring in my kayak and feel much more confident in my ability to both hook and land these challenging fish.   As well, I'll be bringing Rowan with me, who at 5 years old, is hoping to land his first shad and solo in his own kayak.   If he can accomplish that, will then it will certainly be something to remember!  If nothing else Rowan will catch lots of the smaller fish and have a great time doing so.

In addition to the shad derby, they are adding a new separate event this year, that being a mini-multi species contest.   I am not exactly clear on the rules but I think people would simply photograph their biggest of each species caught, and the total length would then be used to determine the winner.     Anyone who doesn't place well enough in the shad derby to win a prize there would be eligible, so I suspect this one is aimed primarily at the kids.    There is a separate $5 entry fee and a medal to be awarded to the top three, with proceeds going to the Canadian Tire Jump Start program.

If you are interested in coming to Chipman this weekend, here are all the details of the event as posted on the NewBrunswickFishing.com forums:

Where: Salmon River
When: Saturday June 11th, 2016
Breakfast: Queen’s County Inn from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Tournament Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. All participants  must be registered by 10:00 am June 11th, 2016
Designated Waters: From the Mouth of Little Forks to Rte # 10 Salmon River Bridge, Chipman.
Fly, Spinning and Bait casting rods are only means of capture.
Prizes: 100% Cash payout 1s t, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th place. All prizes to be awarded at the Queen’s County Inn at 7:30 p.m. must be present to win draw prizes.
Limited to First 50 entries only
One cash Prize per angler
Cash prize amount to be determined by the number of entries. Total weight of two shad to qualify.
Weigh in at 6:00 p.m.
Entry Fee: $20.00 - Breakfast Included.
Shad Derby Admission Compulsory & Mini tournament (Optional);Yellow Perch, River Chub entry Fee $5.00

Register at Goodwin’s Fly Shop (36 Willow St., Minto) or by Contacting Ralph Goodwin (327-6231) or Sam Daigle (385-2298)  OR ANY Questions e-mail (scatergn@nbnet.nb.ca)