Reeling in a winner
Carl Hojem took home first place in the 40th annual "Big One Salmon Derby" with his 25.5 pound catch. Credit Lake Coeur d'Alene Angler's Association
Photo courtesy of Lake Coeur d'Alene Angler's Association
Carl Hojem and his sons, Bret (left) and Troy (right), pose with Carl's prize-winning catch.
Photo courtesy of Tobey Hojem
Troy Hojem took 6th place in this year's Derby with his 17.14-pound salmon.
Photo courtesy of Bret Hojem
Carl Hojem's son, Bret Hojem, caught 2019's first-prize-winning salmon, weighing in at 13.54 pounds.
Photo courtesy of Bret Hojem
“Catch a big fish, cook it how you want and share with friends and family.”
That's the recipe Carl Hojem plans to follow when he serves up his winning catch that earned him first place in the 40th annual “Big One Fishing Derby” put on by the Lake Coeur d’Alene Angler's Association.
The 80-year-old reeled in a 25.5-pound salmon from Lake Coeur d’Alene to earn the $5,000 first prize and an additional $500 for having the biggest catch of the day as an LCAA member.
The North Idaho native has participated in the derby for 30 years but has been fishing in local waters his entire life.
“He would literally walk for miles to fish in mountain streams,” said his son, Bret Hojem. “He’s truly a one-of-a-kind guy.”
While the Hojem family has participated in the derby for many years, this year's from July 24 to 28 was special.
Carl Hojem made his winning catch south of Powderhorn Bay off land that’s been owned by the family since 1974, and both of his sons were alongside him as he reeled in his sizable salmon. His son, Bret, told The Press the three men hadn't fished together in about 10 years.
Carl wasn’t the only Hojem to bring in a derby winner. His son, Troy, placed sixth with his 17.14-pound salmon. The Hojems have a family history of derby victories. In 2019, Bret took home first prize with a 13.54-pound salmon.
Carl Hojem and his sons, Bret (left) and Troy (right), pose with Carl's prize-winning catch.Photo courtesy of Tobey Hojem
Troy Hojem took 6th place in this year's Derby with his 17.14-pound salmon.Photo courtesy of Bret Hojem
Carl Hojem's son, Bret Hojem, caught 2019's first-prize-winning salmon, weighing in at 13.54 pounds.Photo courtesy of Bret Hojem