September 14, 2021 - The Lake McSwain Fall Trout Derby is planned for Saturday and Sunday October 2 and 3. Based on the overwhelming interest from anglers in the Spring Derby, it will again rely on the smart phone app FishDonkey.
“Our anglers really had a good time and expressed their desire for additional derbies through FishDonkey,” said Brooke Gutierrez, Director of MID Parks and Recreation. “Most of our participants found it to be easy and quick to show and weigh their catch. So we are excited to do it again.”
The FishDonkey app allows participants to photograph, measure and record their entries using their smart phone. It does not require live WiFI or cellular access to work.
The Derby is scheduled to begin at 6 a.m. on Saturday October 2 and conclude at 6 p.m. on Sunday October 3. The entry fee will be $25 per adult. Kids under 16 fish free with adult entry: parents can simply click on the “Kids Fish” option to upload their fish for judging.
Anglers must additionally pay the parks entry fee of $8 per day or $30-$40 for overnight camping. Some limited campsites are still available at the lake, as well as nearby Lake McClure. For reservations, click here or visit www.LakeMcClure.com.
Except for camping, all registration and payments for the derby must be made through the FishDonkey app. Participants are strongly encouraged to access the app early and become familiar with it before the Derby. All photos, videos and judging will be managed through the app. On the day of the Derby, participants will need to have both their smart phone – with the app available – as well as a commercially made non-sliding/retractable/foldable bump board. The bump board must have a 90- degree bend which marks 0 and at least ¼ inch lines to measure and photograph their catch.
The FishDonkey app has a feature allowing participants to practice uploading their fish in preparation for the Derby.
Once the app is loaded onto a smart phone, participants can select “Fish in a Tournament.” Then a search window will appear. Participants can then enter “Lake McSwain.” This will take anglers to the Lake McSwain Derby page with all the required registration and information.
The Fall Trout Derby categories will include the following:
Longest trout for $2,000
Stringer with three longest fish combined: $2,000
Wild card – one adult winner is randomly selected for $500 prize
Kids Wild Card – one youth under 16 will be randomly selected to receive a fishing pole and tackle box.
“The fishing has been great up here and we are continuing to have regular trout plants,” said Gutierrez. “We want everyone to come up and enjoy themselves.”
For further information, please click here or visit www.Lake McClure.com
To watch a tutorial video for FishDonkey, please click here.
Source: MID
