Top Anglers To Earn Prizes in St. Ignace Salmon Derby

Cash prizes will be offered to more fishermen who participate in the fourth annual St. Ignace Salmon Derby Saturday, August 26, and Sunday, August 27. This year, payout to the top 30 heaviest individual fish will receive a cash prize, with first place winning as much as $3,000.

Payouts will also go to the heaviest fish per boat, allowing anglers to win even more money, said event coordinator Pete Everson. The St. Ignace Sports Boosters Club has offered to help fund payouts.

Registration is $175 per boat. All anglers must be registered before the captains' meeting at the boat launch area on Hazelton Street at 7:30 p.m. Friday,

August 25. Those interested can register through the St. Ignace Chamber of Commerce, either stopping by at the office or going online to its Web site, www.stignace. com. The St. Ignace Chamber of Commerce can be reached at (800) 338-6660. Anglers can also call Mr. Everson for registration at 643-9219. For marina reservations, call (800) 447-2757.

Open waters for the 2006 St. Ignace salmon Derby include all Michigan waters of Lake Huron east of the Mackinac Bridge, according to the registration form.

Last year, a total of 39 registered boats participated in the derby.