It was pike for dinner, Sunday, for more than a few families

Anglers and supporters of the Second Annual Reg McHale Memorial Big Pike Family Fishing Derby, organized by the Township of Johnson recreation committee and Fire Department bore witness to boat after boat bring in pike of all sizes to be weighed Saturday.

The derby has grown from its 130 registered participants in 2015 to a total of 180 youth and adult anglers.

"To get that many out on a Saturday afternoon has got something pulling them there," said Reg

McHale's wife, Ann McHale. "It's mind boggling. I knew about 90 percent of those present."

Marin (Reg) McHale passed away May 20, 2015.

Members of McHale's family felt Reg and his a passion for his community and fishing would have been proud to have the derby named after him.

Several members of the McHale family took part in the derby Saturday including his son, daughter, two grand-sons and a grand-daughter to be.

McHale, a former lineman with Great Lakes Power and retiring after 40 years service in 1998 was described as an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, having fished all his life.

Cory Moore, a community friend of the McHale's and Johnson Township recreation coordinator, Pat O'Gorman were instrumental in reintroducing the fishing derby in 2015 and the renaming of the derby after one of its community-minded residents.

The fire department in which McHale was a past member of ran a similar derby in the late 1980s to 1990s.

The original fishing derby trophy, the Johnson Township Centennial Trophy for the biggest fish overall and first awarded in the late 1980s was present.

Municipal representatives including members of council and the fire department volunteered in various capacities from manning the barbecue to presentation of trophies.

"Anglers were encouraged to allow their fish to be released after it was measured with an extra draw prize for those who did," said Pat O'Gorman, recreation coordinator.

There was no record of the total number of pike caught as some anglers chose to release his or her fish catch.

The catch and release station was manned by local student, Jordan Winter, whose father is a volunteer with the fire department.

Winter was aided by fellow students from Korah Collegiate's International Baccalaureate Programme, O'Gorman said.

The Grand Prize winner of $300 was Debbie Halverson of Sault Ste. Marie with a 872mm pike.

Halverson's longest pike was measured at 9:41 a.m and she held the top spot all day.

The first time derby entrant knew McHale and refused to give away her fishing location other than to say it was out from Debarats.

Runners up in the adult division 

First- Greg Rychman 861mm, Second- Sarah Ouimette 860mm and Third Shelly Charette 855mm.

Runners up in the youth division

First - Kent Leblance 770mm, Second- Dana Labelle 764 and Third Maddox Sachro 725mm 

"The derby received a lot of support across the Algoma region and everyone who registered went home with a prize whether they caught a fish or not," O'Gorman said. "Proceeds for the derby support the fire department equipment purchase and the recreation committee which provide all ages programming and events for Johnson Township residents and families across the North Shore."