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All Yamaha News
Vincent Trepanier
Yamaha Motor Canada
Yamaha Motor Canada
Anglers, get ready! After a year’s hiatus due to restrictions related to the pandemic, the Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular (OSSS) returns this summer for its 33rd edition. From August 27 to September 5, the Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association (SSA) and the City of Owen Sound (Ontario) will welcome back anglers to the region for a one-of-a-kind fishing derby.
The event has grown tremendously over the years, starting as a weigh station on an old hay trailer to a 100ft by 200ft tent with bands, a fish fry and activities for the whole family. This year’s event will look a little different – with plans for a smaller tent and keeping up the traditional fish fry with curbside pickup – but still offer the same great fishing and fun.
“We’re very excited to be back,” said Chris Geberdt, OSSS co-chair. “We’ve got over $150,000 in prizes for participating anglers, including G3 Boats and Yamaha Outboards!”
But the derby is about more than catching fish. Chris’ Father, Fred Geberdt, was instrumental in kick starting the event with a focus on conservation.
“The whole purpose of the derby was to try and catch salmon in the four-year cycle – there were so many that they were going upriver and dying,” Chris explains. “By reducing the salmon population, we were able to help relieve some of the pressure on the ecosystem. The biggest fish that first year was 36.5 pounds!”
The conservation aspect remains at the heart of the Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association to this day, with efforts in support of fish hatcheries, as well as stream and deer management projects.
“Conservation is key to this event, and anglers, volunteers and sponsors are all what make it happen!” said Chris.
The fishing promises to be great again this year with the addition of the new Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout categories, offering more chances to win prizes. The event expects to host 4,500 anglers over the course of the derby.
To participate, register online and see what you can reel in! If you can’t make it in person, you can still support the association and its many efforts by purchasing raffle tickets online with a chance to win a G3 Boat and Yamaha Outboard!