VanBrenk catches 'the big one'
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A frequent angler at Lake Lisgar, Hendrik VanBrenk’s experience paid off Saturday when he brought in the biggest fish of the day at the 5th annual Tillsonburg Family Fishing Derby organized by Mike and Rosemary Dean.
He knew where to fish, when to fish, and what bait to use.
“Yeah, we’re here lots,” the Tillsonburg teen nodded.
“Probably once or twice a week,” he said.
Some weeks, more.
Hendrik’s prize-winner was a 29-inch catfish, caught from a boat, accompanied by his brother Brandon and sister Nicole.
“Over by those pine trees,” he said, pointing to the other side of Lake Lisgar opposite the rowing dock. “Close to the shore.”
That size of catfish, he said, was a rare catch.
“Usually we catch some decent bass though.”
Hendrik caught one of those ‘decent size’ bass on Saturday, weighing in at 5 lbs, 10 ounces, and measuring 22 inches – monster size for Lake Lisgar.
Nicole, bass champion in the family fishing derby’s youth category last year, had success this year bringing in a 3lb 5-ounce bass. She also helped Hendrik bring in the big five-pounder, assisting with the net.
Her three fish were caught late in the morning, her brothers’ fish caught much earlier in the morning. Any smaller fish were immediately released.
“I caught two-pounders, they were too small,” said Brandon, estimating his day’s catch at 9-10 fish, a bit more than Hendrik’s 7-8 fish.
“We threw them back in,” said Nicole, noting she kept three to be measured for the derby, before live releasing them.
Reluctant to reveal any of their fishing ‘secrets,’ Nicole paused when asked.
“It’s… just…” she smiled.
Which was more important – bait, location, or technique – Hendrik was also asked.
“Yeah, bait basically,” he replied. “Timing, too.”
“In the morning and at night,” said Brandon.
“Tube jigs and sinkers,” Brandon added, not as reluctant to share tips.
“Tube jigs and sinkers,” Hendrik nodded, “but we can’t tell you the colours. Yes, they (colours) are very important.”
cabbott@postmedia.com
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