Pictured above: Brochet community members getting ready to participate in the Fishing Derby.

More than 200 people from Brochet, MB had a fun-filled Sunday at the first fishing derby to be held in the community after two years of the pandemic.

After much deliberation and postponement due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, Barren Lands First Nation, Brochet Community Council, Awasis Agency and Brochet Northern Store came together to organize the fishing derby for the community on May 1 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The fishing derby was free to enter and open to all community members. It had children and adult categories, and participants in all categories had a chance to win prizes. Brochet Community Council and Barren Lands First Nation provided the prizes for each category winner, including an ice auger, an ice tent, various housewares, and a 75-inch TV, plus cash rewards. The person who caught the smallest fish even won a generator.

Brochet Northern Store also provided support for the prizes, as well as food for a free BBQ serving hamburgers, hot dogs and refreshments for participants and community members to enjoy.

Pictured above: Participants setting up their equipment and stationed at their fishing spots for the Derby.

 At least 200 people attended the event, bringing together various families to participate and socialize. The area designated for the derby was massive and there were skidoos, quads, and people walking all over the big open bay down the hill.

“This is the first time I’ve seen the entire community be able to get together and enjoy each other’s company since I’ve arrived in Brochet,” said Brochet Northern Store Manager Stephen Braun. “My family and I enjoyed the competition – my spouse Karissa was assisting with the weighing of fish while I was busy trying to catch one, but as anyone that’s ever fished with children knows, you spend more time untangling line and resetting hooks than you actually get to fish.”