The opening of trout
season on Saturday, April
16 was accompanied by a
blanket of snow, high,
turbulent waters and
biting winds. Despite the
inclement conditions,
sportsmen of all ages
turned out in droves.
Claude Neifert, area
waterways patrolman
said it was the worst
weather for opening day
that he’s seen since he’s
been on the job.
However, Neifert
reported the turnout and
the return were excellent. 4
“It was a really
productive opening,’”’ he
said.
He was surprised at the
number of anglers who
braved area streams
early in the day but said,
“They didn’t do as well on
the streams and many
moved on to the lakes.
Harveys Lake saw a
really good yield.”
Over 700 area young-
sters were registered and
showed up at the weigh-in
last Saturday, as the
Harveys Lake Bass-
masters sponsored their
third annual Youth Trout
Derby. The wind was
bitter and the waters
choppy and uninviting,
but the youngsters, ages
15 and under, braved the
elements and used their
best bait to lure as many
Arout as they could before
3 p.m. They stood
patiently in line in the
parking lot of Joe’s
Grotto, waiting their turn
to see who would win one
of the many prizes the
Bassmasters had for the
top 10 fishermen in two
age groups.
Howie Whipple brought
a two pounder to take the
Lunker Award. His catch
was seconded by a 1 1b. 5
oz. from Frank Corigan
and a 1 lb. 3 oz. by Ed
Kelly. The Lunker Award
As usual, Harveys Lake
was a veritable mass of
people trying their luck.
And, Neifert said they did
very well there. From the
accompanying photos,
taken by Post
trophies were donated by
Lowrance Electronics
and Falcone Beverage.
This year’s Derby was
bigger and better than
any previous ones. Every
entry received a prize and
the first five place win
ners in each age group
weregiven arod and reel.
Places six through 10
received tackle boxes and
assorted tackle and hats.
Age groups were 11 and
under, and 12 to 15.
Prizes were donated by
Department
Store, Bob’s Bait Shop
Back Mountain Sporting
Goods, Andy Roan, Jones’
Pancakes, Merrill-Lynch,
Javers’ Store, Garcia Rod
and Reel, Berkley Trilene
Co.; and Joe's Grotto.
Following the weigh-in,
the children were treated
to wimpies and soda,
courtesy of Harveys Lake
Pub, Andy Roan and Kern
Distributors.
The opening day Derby
PAGE THIRTEEN
photographers Mark
Moran and MaryAnn
Kelly, it is easy to see a
few snowflakes and high
waters were not about to
stop the hearty bunch
which had set their minds
on trying for trout.
Lunker
was the first of two
sponsored yearly by the
Bassmasters. The second
will be held on August 27.
This is a game fish
tourney with all types of
fish counting for prizes.
Youth Derbies are one
of many sporting ac
tivities which the Bass
masters hold at the lake.
On April 9 the club joined
with approximately 40
Cub and Boy Scouts from
the area to give the lake
its annual spring
cleaning. This eventiwas
highly praised by Har-
veys-Lake-Mayor Frank
Picchi. “I want to per-
sonally thank the Bass-
masters for their effort in
the cleanup. The group
has originated the idea of
getting the lake ready for
the season and they work
very hard to see that itis
done,” said Picchi. “I
really appreciate it.”
Picchi also presented
the group with a cer-
tificate from the state
following the cleanup. The
youngsters who helped
were from Cub Pack 331
and Boy Scout Troop 331.
Below is a complete list
of winners from last
week’s Trout Derby. The
first three in each age
group were awarded
trophies along with rods
and reels. Ages 11 and
under: Jason Michalzk,
Alan Morrow, Judd
Kopicki, Matt Kopicki,
Cheryl Bender, Michael
Lukas, Steve Fisher,
Howie Whipple, Frank
Corigan and Ed Kelly.
Age 12 to 15: Robert
Adams, Gerry Brown,
Phil Simms, Kim Tobin
Ray Dumond, Jay Wilkes,
Scott Adams, Peter
Kempka, Ray Shaw and,
Stan Shaw.