CORAL HARBOUR - While people in Coral Harbour enjoy winning prizes as much as anyone in the region, they also put a great deal of importance on family values and having fun when derby time rolls around.

Jimmy Ningeocheak had all the right gear for a successful weekend at the Coral Harbour fishing derby this past month. - photo courtesy of Noel Kaludjak

Event organizer Louis Bruce said the Coral fishing derby is all about families spending time together and getting away from phones, TVs and computers for a weekend.

He said this year's derby went well, even though the number of fish caught was down from previous years.

"It's hard to say why the fish weren't biting that well, but I think it was the same around the whole region this past month," said Bruce.

"In Coral, people pay $30 to enter the derby and we had 96 register this year, including the kids, which was a little less than we usually have.

"There was also cod fishing in town, which some people would rather do, and it's a long ride to the lake.

"It can take four to six hours to get there, depending on how fast you go."

Bruce said organizers got a late start in fundraising and getting prize donations this year, but everyone seemed happy with what they won.

He said there's no boundaries for the Coral derby, but everyone is encouraged to make it a family outing and keep things fair.

"We just have one open category so nobody who wins in one, for example, is tempted to give the fish to their kids to win another prize.

"We also try to have someone who wasn't out fishing do the measuring so everything's fair.

"We had seven prizes this year, but our community doesn't like to release the names of the winners."

Bruce said everyone is encouraged to drive safely and not take any unnecessary chances while competing in the derby.

He said those heading to the lake are always asked to let someone know which route they're taking in case they don't arrive as expected.

"It's nice when you see people take their entire families to the derby, and it can be a real learning experience for the kids.

"It's a good chance to pass on skills to the youth.

"People just like to get away from town for the weekend, enjoy each other's company and share a pot of tea, or whatever.

"There's a lot more to our derby than winning prizes, and the important thing is for everyone to have fun."

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