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Young anglers flocked to return of Alberni Valley’s bullhead derby

New location after a small hiatus brought a big crowd to comeback event

BY SONJA DRINKWATER

Special to the AV News

More than 120 young anglers crowded the docks at Harbour Quay Marina on Saturday, Aug. 28 for the return of the Port Alberni Valley Lions Club’s annual bullhead derby.

The event took place by the Maritime Discovery Centre. Those anglers willing to share their secrets said the best bait was dew worms, fish eggs, and even steak.

Lions Club organizers were pleased with the turnout for the event, which had taken a hiatus from its usual place at Clutesi Haven Marina during the annual Port Alberni Salmon Festival weekend.

Besides bullheads there were also several perch caught. There were prizes for every participant regardless of whether or not they caught a fish.

The largest bullhead was caught by Dug Sakurai, 7, and was 271 millimetres long. He will have his name engraved on the Babe Gunn trophy.

The second largest was caught by Landon Richards, 5, and was 220 mm long. Richards’s name will be added to the second- place trophy.