Sportsmen Club hosts Bob Meloche fishing derby

Three-year-old Madeline Deslippe of Amherstburg and her dad Dave show off their prize catch as part of the Bob Meloche Memorial Fishing Derby last Sunday.

Father’s Day is very special for the AMA Sportsmen’s Club and while the actual number of years the club has hosted the annual Bob Meloche Fishing Derby is not really determined, what is for certain is that it continues to be a tradition.

This past Sunday young anglers up to 12 years of age cast their lines in attempts to bring in the big one.

“He (Meloche) started a great thing, and we want to continue it. It brings people together,” said Pat Pettypiece, who helped with the tournament.

As early as 7 a.m., the poles were at the ready along the waterfront at King’s Navy Yard Park. Normally the area is prohibited for fishing, but the Town of Amherstburg once again made a one-day exemption.

The River Town Times strolled up and down the Detroit River waterfront and met some happy kids including 10-year-old Emma Torres who snagged a nearly 22-inch bowfin.

“I saw my line yank and I started yelling,” she said.

With the help of a nearby fisherman who had a net with a long handle, Torres and her family were able to get her catch to shore to be measured.

Several members of the AMA Sportsmen’s Club were set up at the park and were measuring the  fish while others, including Bob Meloche’s son Gord, were back at the club measuring and recording.

Don Green and his grandson Jonah Romero had their lines out in the river and were trying their luck.

“My son-in-law asked me if I wanted to come. It’s a beautiful day,” said Green, who was attending for the first time.

Up and down the riverfront, several of the anglers admitted that they had caught lots of green fish, jokingly referring to seaweed.

“I had lots of bites and a lot of seaweed,” said eight-year-old Romero.

The entire day, including lunch, T-shirts and prizes, was all free and according to Club organizer Ken Tytgat there were a total of 178 children who fished.

“For us, it’s a great event and we get to see the kids fish with their fathers. Every kid leaves with a prize,” said Tytgat.

This year’s derby saw over a dozen community sponsors, the Amherstburg Fire Department brought their trucks out and the local detachment of the Windsor Police made a visit to the King’s Navy Yard Park to say hello.

The Sportsmen’s Club dates back to 1930 and hosts several activities throughout the year including archery, air rifle shooting and bird-house building.

“We have to get the kids out and into nature. There are other things to do besides stay at home and be on the computer,” said Tytgat.

The AMA Sportsmen’s Club is located at 468 Lowes Side Road. For more information, call 519-736-5706.

Sportsmen Club hosts Bob Meloche fishing derby

By Fred Groves