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By Patricia Leboeuf | September 19, 2019 | Local

Derek Tackney shows off one of his larger Bass. (Photo by Patricia Leboeuf, Petawawa Post)

Thomas Hummel pulls two fish out of his boat at once. His team came in second place. (Photo by Patricia Leboeuf, Petawawa Post)

Anglers dotted the Ottawa River for the Pembroke and Greater Petawawa Civitan Clubs’ Annual Battle of the Bass, all looking to hook the biggest catch of the day.

A popular event for fishing buffs, teams arrived from all over the Ottawa Valley and beyond.

The derby is in its second year and took place at the Pembroke Marina on Aug. 17. A large stage dominated the park where the fish were weighed, displayed and then humanely released.

“What is really important is that we’ve made it more visible for spectators to see,” said Tournament Chair John VandenBaar. “With the boats coming right up to the stage, they are able to show the fish off.”

Though it was a competitive event, it was also a fundraiser. All proceeds from the event were earmarked for great local causes, with the majority being contributed to Carefor Health and Community Services Transportation. This volunteer-based program allows seniors and people with disabilities to reach their appointments without worry.

The remainder will be donated to the Civitan’s wheelchair swing fund. This special swing costs about $20,000 and will allow a person in a wheelchair to be able to swing at Civitan Park at the Petawawa Civic Centre.

The first year the tournament was held, the proceeds allowed Carefor to run their program without a shortfall, something Greater Petawawa Civitan Club President Brian Miner is very proud of.

“We stepped up and donated money and ... last year, they had no deficit for transportation needs,” he said.

Organizers are optimistic that this year’s results will be similar.

“This second (tournament) is going even better,” said VandenBaar. “We’ve increased it by 15 teams.

“We had 40 the first year and now we have 55 this year.”

The top winner was Jeff List and Clancy Mulvihill with a 21.22 lbs catch, netting them $2,000. Thomas Hummel and Steve Leach came in second with 21.01 lbs and won $500. Joey Herbert and Roy Hebert were next with a 20.98 lbs haul winning them $400. Terry Hein and Loraine Hein caught 18.79 lbs worth of fish for a $300 prize. Fifth place went to Matt Schimmens and Andrew Wierzbicki with their 15.99 lbs catch. This won them $100. The Largest Bass was caught by Loraine Hein. It weighed 5.49lbs and the prize was a trolling Motor donated by R. G. Dick Plummer Ltd.

Response to the tournament has been immensely positive and it will be held again next year.