The annual Fort Kent International Muskie Derby, which brings hundreds of anglers and spectators to northern Maine, starts Friday.
Anglers can fish from Friday, Aug. 7, through Sunday, Aug. 9.
The derby is Maine’s largest muskie fishing event and invites anglers to fish the St. John River and its tributaries. Now in its 23rd year, the derby draws participants from across the state and beyond. This year, fishers can win a possible purse of $35,000, according to the official website.
The fishing area involves more than 225 river miles, including the St. John, Allagash River to Allagash Falls and the Big Black, St. Francis and Little Black rivers, as well as six lakes or ponds that contain muskie.
Last year Jim Campbell received the $2,000 prize for a 21.05-pound fish that was 42 5/8 inches long. Emma Castonguay won $500 for the youth category with a 42 5/8-inch muskie weighing 18.12 pounds.
Fish must measure at least 38 inches to qualify for the derby. They are scored by length to the nearest 1/8 inch. In case of ties, judges consider the weight and then the earliest fish caught. The festivities are centered around the Up North Outdoor store, a subsidiary of S.W. Collins in Fort Kent, which is where the weigh station will be located.
Weigh-in hours are from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
As anglers wrap up on Sunday, local musician Kyle Boucher will perform country music at the weigh station from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., according to the Greater Fort Kent Chamber of Commerce. The show will be free, however a donation jar will be made available.
The awards ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. directly after Boucher’s performance, at which point organizers will present awards and recognize sponsors.
In keeping with a recent tradition honoring the life of local fisherman Erik Gardiner, his classmates will sponsor a $200 daily bonus for each day’s largest fish.
The local chamber’s website also encourages residents to tour the region’s historical landmarks and museums, such as the iconic Fort Kent Blockhouse from the Aroostook War, the historical Daigle-Dube House and the University of Maine at Fort Kent’s Acadian Archives.
Registration is $40 for adults and $20 for youth aged 16 and under.
To register or for more information, visit the Fort Kent Muskie Derby website.