BASS LAKE — One of the $10,000 fish has been snagged very early on in the Bass Lake Fishing Derby, set to run through tomorrow.
This morning at about 9:30 a.m., Chor Vue, 36, of Fresno was fishing from the shore near the dam with his 4-year-old son Ryan, when he landed one of the two fish tagged with a little green marker indicating the catch of the day!
He jumped into his pickup and headed for Miller’s Landing, where Michelle Miller and Bass Lake Chamber of Commerce treasurer Nancy Gunning were delighted to present Chor and Ryan with a check for $10,000 — or rather two checks, one for the bank, and another big one just for bragging rights and memories.
Chor and Ryan Vue with $10,000 fish in Bass Lake Fishing Derby 2016 – photo by Gina Clugston
“We are really exited for Mr. Vue and his sweet son,” said Michelle. “This is what the derby is all about, and there’s still lots more out there!”
Chor says he fishes quite often, but this is his first time in the Bass Lake Fishing Derby. After collecting his winnings and smiling for the cameras, the two headed back to their lucky spot near the dam to enjoy the rest of the day and try their luck at that second $10,000 prize. There is still one swimming around out there, along with one worth $5,000, 150 worth $100 each and 847 trout worth $20 each.
Nancy Gunning says there were nearly 900 entries in this year’s derby, with about 30 people registering online overnight.
This is the 36th year for the Derby. Last year no one managed to hook the big-dollar fish, so this was a great way to start off the weekend. The lake is beautiful, the water levels are high, and everyone is having a wonderful time enjoying the California sunshine during this kick-off event of the summer season.
