22-pound salmon takes derby lead

The waters of Wayne County started to produce some big fish over the 4th of July holiday weekend. Joe Skowyra, an angler from Jobstown, NJ, weighed in a 22-pound Chinook Salmon to take a lead in the 5GrandSlam and Merchants Species Challenge.

'We think that by the end of the fishing contest, the Chinook will be even bigger, but Joe sure has a good lead,' stated Chris Kenyon, Outdoor Recreation Coordinator for the Wayne County Office of Tourism. 'Last year, anglers were weighing in Chinook around 40 pounds in late August and early September.'

Fishing action also heated up for the lake trout. David Antenori of Peckville, PA weighed in a 23 lb. 4 oz. laker, to take the lead in that division. Only two anglers have met the ultimate challenge of catching 5 fish in the GrandSlam and Merchants Species Division. Jennifer Flanders of Seneca Falls remains the only angler to have weighed in the five species - Coho and Chinook salmon, lake, brown and rainbow trout. Richard Staccone of Rochester leads the Merchants Challenge with his catch of perch, smallmouth and largemouth bass, walleye, and northern pike.

The Wayne County 5GrandSlam and Merchants Challenge Fishing Contest got underway on April 1 and continues through Sept. 4.

There are monthly drawings and special event drawings. Seventeen registrants have been winners of merchandise and gift certificates valued at over $1000.

Registration Sites include Sodus Bay Tackle & Marina, Sodus Pt. and Ike's Bait & Tackle in Newark. Weigh Stations are located at B-E Fishing Tackle, Sodus Bay Tackle, Bay Bridge Sport Shop, Davenport's and Ike's.