The fishing tournament has been in play for over 25 years and became a memorial event when Lew Mead passed away. Mead was a fabricator and an inventor, and was know in certain parties around the world. Many of his inventions centered around grape harvesting equipment. He also owned and operated a work shop in Dunkirk for a number of years with his partner Mr. Slawson. Hence the company’s name Slawson & Mead.

Mead and his wife Carol also operated a bait-and-tackle store and boat launch off Lakeview. The Meads were also very involved with the Cassadaga Lakes Association. Upon his passing it was an obvious choice to name the kids derby in his memory.

This year’s event saw 52 youth sign up for the derby. With overcast skies and warm temperatures, it proved to be good fishing weather for the anglers.

The Mead derby takes place on the last Saturday in June which has been declared a free fishing day/weekend by the state of New York. The sign-in site is off Lily Dale Drive by the recently revamped state boat launch. The Cassadaga Lakes Association members set up the big-top tent and equipment around 5 a.m. They are ready for business starting at 7 a.m.

Submitted Photo 4-year-old Theo Monacelli

Once the kids are signed in they are allowed to start fishing if they are accompanied with an adult. They then need to return to the same sign-up site to have their fish measured and weighed for prize consideration. Each fish receives the same treatment, from muskellunge to sunfish. The deadline for fish entries is 11 a.m. with the awards following.

This year’s event was a little different. Trophies were given to age groups, combining boys and girls. The groups were 7 and under, 8-10 years old, 11-13 years and 14-16 years old.

Seven-year old Carson Postles took the first age group prize with his 18 1/2-inch largemouth bass entry.

The 8-10-year-old prize was taken with a 31-inch musky taken by Emma Dubois, which proved to be the largest entry of the day.

Anthony Gatto was a challenger with his 24-inch northern pike, that took the 11-13-year-old prize.

Submitted Photo 7 1/2-year old Carson Postles

Ms. Hollenbeck took the 14-16-year-old prize category with a 7 1/2-inch yellow perch.

Besides the trophies, merchandise prizes were given to all the youngsters. Hot dogs and bottles of cold water were also given to all. This year’s derby was made possible by donations from the following sponsors: Canadaway Creek Outfitters, The Cassadaga Lake Association, The Red House for Youth, Liberty Solutions/Sam Violenti, CCFF Hunting Club, The Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club, The Chautauqua County Sportsmen Federation, Kevin and Elaine Bardol, Richard Deuink, Paul Lohnan and Cassadaga Country Club.

Gene Pauszek is an outdoor columnist for the OBSERVER. Look for his weekly column on Saturdays and special features during the summer covering Lake Erie fishing events. Call 366-1772 or 785-3659 if you have a photo or story you would like to share.

Submitted Photo 10-year-old Emma Dubois