Catfish Derby set to return this summer
CLEARLAKE OAKS >> Signups for the popular fundraising event known as the “Biggest Catfish Tournament West of the Mississippi,” are open. Sponsored by the Clearlake Oaks — Glenhaven Business Association, the annual event attracts catfishing enthusiasts from throughout California and beyond.
“After cancelling the annual Derby in 2020, surprisingly, in 2021, a scaled-back version of the Derby yielded more entries than the 2019 Derby,” said Committee Chair Dennis Locke.
“We took a year off due to the pandemic and were pleased to learn catfishing enthusiasts were ready to get back on the lake,” Locke said. “Just under a third of the entries were local, but as usual, the majority of entries, 66%, came in from throughout California and beyond. A total of 882 entries in 2021 topped 2019 by 106 entries.”
“We’re counting on another good year — for catfishing, our local community and the over-all Lake County economy,” Locke said. “Entries are being mailed to past participants and we’re getting positive results from our regulars.”
Gail Jonas, longtime Derby committee member and former Catfish Derby Committee Chair, had this to say: “This event is near and dear to our community. It brings families together for wholesome fun, boosts our local businesses, and has a positive ripple effect on our county-wide small, rural economy. This will be our 38th annual Catfish Derby. We’re very proud of what a few dedicated people do — year after year — to keep this tradition going.”
Past President Camille Gouldberg also serves on the Derby committee.
“Last year we took a leap of faith, hoping to get enough entries to continue our important community activities — and to pay for the hard costs of the event,” Gouldberg said. “We all did a happy dance when, to our joy, the entries started coming in. We raised over $30,000 and after a challenging Pandemic year, we are again able to support programs for our youth, schools, veterans, fire prevention and more.”
Derby prizes this year will total $10,000 — in the adult and kid categories.
For adults, the prizes range from $5,000, 1st place to $40, 20th place. For kids, the Derby offers two categories of prizes for 10 year-olds and under and 11 — 15 yearolds. Prizes for each category range from $100, 1st place to $10, 5th place.
Kids can also compete in the adult category but must pay the higher entry fee. Entry fees this year are $50 for adults ($60 if after 11 pm on May 12) and $10 for kids.
An additional $2,500 in cash & merchandise will be issued through the very popular drawings held throughout the 3-day Derby.
The Derby Committee will follow all local and state requirements in place at the time of the Derby. Registration, weigh-in and other activities will be at Derby Headquarters located at the Fire Station on 12655 East Hwy 20 in Clearlake Oaks.
“We are looking forward to returning to our usual Derby Headquarters,” Locke said. “One critical variable, of course, is the lake level. We’re feeling optimistic — but we’ll be responsive to mother nature on our weigh-in site and let everyone know if we have to pivot, “he said.
Newly elected Business Association President, Alvaro Valencia, said: “I’m looking forward to a good year and thrilled at the prospects of returning to more normal activities. Along with the Derby I am happy to report that the hugely popular 4th of July Maxine Sherman Fireworks will return to the Oaks this year!”
The Derby is from May
13 — May 15. Entries are available on-line at www. clearlakeoaks.org/derby. For more information go to the website, find the Derby Facebook Page, Catfish Derby In the Oaks, or call 707-596-0248.