Eyeing this year's walleye derby

All the ice is off the lake and walleye fishing is heating up again across the western basin ... not like it really cooled off that much. The first push of fish entered the Maumee and Sandusky rivers to spawn and many were caught last week. A few limit catches were reported. Anglers in the rivers are having success with lead head jigs rigged with twister tails and Carolina rigs with floating heads rigged with the same tails. Open water fishing improved last week with the cooperation of Lake Erie's calm seas and warm temperature. The water temperatures have increased a little and walleye have been on the move throughout the western basin en route to their spawning grounds. Boat anglers have been successful jigging the flats areas near the reefs and trolling crank baits in and around the same areas. Most of the action has been near the islands in 30 feet of water from what I've been seeing in fishing reports. With the increase in activity, this is a great time to mention an opportunity for both boat and shore anglers to take part in a spring walleye derby coming up soon. The FishCrazy Lake Erie Walleye Derby will kick off its 14th season April 25. Registration is open now and you must be registered by April 19. Entry fee is $35 and includes a $10 off coupon at FishUsa with a purchase over $50. Beginning April 25, contestants will get six weeks of fishing time to catch the biggest fish of the derby and walk away with a nice cash prize at the end of competition June 5. Payout amounts are based on the number of entries and won't be set until registration closes. Last year the top spot took home a cool $13,000. The top seven places will share of the pot. A twist with the derby is there are also payouts for the memorial 24th, 25th and 33rd spots, as well as big fish of the week (weighed in), heaviest fish caught from shore and biggest fish caught on the special Fish Crazy lure. And there are women's and kids' divisions. The kids winner will get a $1,000 prize sponsored by Worldwide Marine Insurance. The derby is about more than just the fishing. Like many other contests around, it also also gives back to the community. In the past, donations to the St. Jude's Children's Hospital and the Shriners Hospital for Children have been made. Proceeds from sales of a derby decal will be distributed to the children's hospitals. There is also a challenge coin sale that benefits the Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation. Proceeds will give Purple Heart veterans an opportunity to win a weekend of walleye fishing on Lake Erie. There's still time to get signed up and give those fish you're going to be chasing anyway the chance to grow your savings account. Lots of fun and prizes are ready to be had. Get your rods and reels ready, grab your favorite bait and go catch that big one. When it comes time to weigh that monster, there are four locations: Fin Feather Fur Outfitters in Middleburg Heights, Lakeshore Bait and Tackle in Ashtabula, Bite Me Bait and Tackle in Oak Harbor and Marks Bait and Tackle in Ravenna. Speaking of Marks Bait, it will host a signup gathering Monday from 3-7 p.m. I was reading a post on the Fish Crazy Facebook page from derby owner Virgil Tent. If entries reach 3,000, first-place payout would be $37,000. Imagine that in your bank account. Spread the word, sign up and get out there and catch the fish of a lifetime. Lake Erie walleye fishing tournaments get fired up on the north coast March 27, with the first event on the Lake Erie Walleye Trail. Anglers will have a chance to fish a tournament somewhere on the lake from March through December, including a Lorain event June 5. Some really good opportunities exist. Get your gear and get at it. Contact Jeff Burdick at Flyrod11ft@gmail.com.