Meals on Reels fishing derby coming to Lake Pend Oreille

Saving injured osprey and eagles while reducing the number of predators of game fish are the goals of the "Meals on Reels" fishing derby which is scheduled for June on Lake Pend Oreille. "Catching northern pike minnow, a non-game fish, to feed wounded eagles and osprey seems like a perfect fit," said Jane Veltkamp, spokeswoman for Birds of Prey Northwest.

"Every year our organization spends over $40,000 for food to feed injured raptors, which include ospreys and eagles. We receive no money from federal, state or local governments. Other than what I contribute, our only funding comes from donations," she said.

When local fisherman Jack Knaggs realized the financial issues faced by Birds of Prey Northwest, he came up with the idea of a fishing tournament to help.

Unlike most tournaments, where only one individual wins, this tournament gives the awards to four-person teams. The prizes are given to teams who catch the most non-game fish - northern pike minnow, pea mouth and suckers - over a nine-day stretch from June 20-28.

Prizes are awarded on the basis of the number of fish caught that are more than 10 inches long. Special bags will be provided to put the catch in and there is no need to clean the fish that will be fed to the birds.

The prizes for the winning teams are: Grand Prize, $1,000; second place four framed Ross Hall fishing themed photos; third place two tickets per teammate to a Festival at Sandpoint concert; and fourth place is a Birds of Prey Northwest one-hour show valued at $500. There is also a prize of a quality fishing rod and reel to be won by the father/child duo who catch the most fish on Father's Day.

The cost to participate is $250 for each four-person team. Birds of Prey Northwest needs sponsors and volunteers to conduct the tournament as well as fishing teams to make this tournament a success. For information contact: Jack Knaggs at (208) 610-9755; Bill Schaudt at (208) 255-6172; Tamara Verby at (208) 263-8829; or Jane Veltkamp at (208) 582-0797. Email: [email protected]. Mail: Meals on Reels, P.O. Box 1154, Sandpoint, ID 83864.