Board of trade cites inability to plan, organize
Super Perch is off the hook in Port Dover for at least another year.
The Port Dover Board of Trade recently decided to cancel this spring’s event due to ongoing complications arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s a massive undertaking,” the board said on social media. “People have little idea as to the behind-the-scenes work.”
This is the third spring in Port Dover without the popular derby. Even though the event doesn’t usually occur until the end of April, the board says COVID restrictions are easing too late to stage an event. The board usually sells tickets and promotes the event at winter-time boat shows. Board staff also devote a lot of legwork to soliciting prizes from area merchants, up to and including fishing boats with outboard motors.
The board also explained on social media that it takes time to line up volunteers and train them for their assorted responsibilities.
A typical Perch Derby lasts two weeks. It begins with the release of 40 tagged perch in a random location in the harbor in Port Dover. Depending on the color of their tags, the fish are worth between $100 and $2,000 apiece. The big fish with the big payoff is known as Super Perch.
The board established the derby as part of its campaign to boost tourism in Port Dover in early spring and late fall, which are known as the “shoulder seasons” to the high-volume traffic period beginning the Victoria Day holiday weekend and ending after Labor Day .