2011 Derby nabs big fish

CONCONULLY – A four-year-old from Omak walked away as the grand champion at the annual Okanogan-Omak Rotary Fishing Derby on May 21. Isaiah Moore reeled in a 2.3 pound, 18 3/8 inch long rainbow to get his name engraved on the Glenn Deal Trophy that lists champions since the derby started in 1979. Moore was fishing his father, Lavelle Moore, on the bank of the lower lake while using power eggs. Lavelle Moore said his son asked him to haul in the fish, but the young boy was told he had to do it. He did using an open face reel (not a push button like he won). "We were not high in numbers, but certainly good in size of fish," derby chair Rodger Matlock, who certified results, said. "We are thrilled." Garrett Pyper, 6, Omak, used an orange rooster tail on the upper lake to catch the second largest trout at 2.1 pounds. Each angler hoisted their largest fish for Rotary president elect Dave Womack to weigh and measure. This year's turnout of 94 entries surpassed last year's 69 entries. Womack, who cuts meat at Gene's Home-Owned Grocery in Omak, joked that he lifted up a lot of fish, "but not as much meat as I cut. "There were some nice fish, probably the largest fish we've seen in years," Womack, a member since 1996, said. "Any time you push 100 entries it's an excellent crowd," Matlock said. Rain held off until the end of festivities shortly before noon. All anglers received a goody bad. Hotdogs were served. Results (weight, length): 0-5: 1, Landan Bagby, 1.7, 15 ¾. 2, Duke Nicholson, 1.2, 14 ½. 3, Julian Sombrero, .9, 12 ¾. 6-8: 1, Garrett Pyper, 2.1, 17. 2, Killian Cariker, 1.9, 15 ¾. 3, Kaiden Palmer, 1.7, 15 ¾. 9-11: 1, Adam Skirko, 1.6, 15 ½. 2, Ian Engler, .7, 12 ½. 3, Seth Wehmeyer, .6, 12. 12-15: 1, Carolyn VanValkenberg, 1.4, 15. 2, Michael Olson, .8, 12 3/8. 3, Sam Scroggin, .8, 11 7/8. Article courtesy of The Chroncile, Al Camp.