Perry Lachance wins RRWT Kids Tourney

Ken Johnston
Editor

While the pros were out trying to catch fish to win $15,000 top prize in the RRWT, there were some younger anglers trying their luck in another tournament with $1,000 in prizes at stake.
The annual RRWT Kids Fishing Tournament kicked off at 11 a.m. Saturday with the largest field of competitors in its history. 45 kids spent an hour fishing on the government dock and marina docks just in front of the big tent.
This year’s champion ended up being a rookie angler in the truest sense. Perry Lachance, 4, of Winnipeg, MB. was in town visiting family with his mom, Kelly Abbott and sister Mya Lachance. On Thursday during the boat parade, the team of Lorne Jonassen and Mark Sindelir randomly exited their boat and gave away rod and reel combos. One of those lucky kids was Perry.
Perry took the rod and reel and headed to the kids derby Sat. morning with fishing buddy Jim Drennan. Within a few minutes Perry caught the one and only walleye of the kids tourney. It was 9 inches long. Not long later he also caught the largest fish of the tourney a 23.5 inch northern pike. It was enough to make him the tournament champion.
Lachance won another rod/reel combo, two tackle boxes, tackle, two trophies and $70 in cash. Over the sound system he wished all the adult anglers good luck!
Longest cast of the day went to Josh Leefe who also pulled up the heaviest item; a 6 volt battery.
Most promising female angler was Alicia Spence.
Most promising male angler was Jaden Gustafson who caught a 22.5 inch northern.
Damon Short also received a prize for catching a 23.25 inch northern.
Patrick Vogan caught the only other fish of the day, a 15.5 inch northern and was presented with a prize as well.
Felisha Foulger was at the derby and really wanted to fish but did not have a rod. Ben Mast broke his rod during the tourney. Both kids were given rod and reel combos so they can come to next year’s event.
Every angler received something, including a tackle box. All the prizes were donated and there was no entry fee for the anglers.
Volunteers, mainly local Ontario Provincial Police Officers, hosted the event again this year and it was a huge success.