Published: May 15, 2008 11:43 pm         

Walleye rodeo continues through Sunday at Canton

CANTON — Anglers turned out Thursday in hopes of catching a prize-winning fish at the 41st annual Canton Lake Walleye Rodeo fishing contest.

The annual event is Oklahoma’s oldest and largest fishing tournament and continues through Sunday. Fishing registration hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. today and Saturday and 8 a.m. to noon Sunday.

Enid resident Paul Brooks was one of the lucky winners Thursday, catching two tagged fish that brought him $40 at the weigh station.

Merritt Agee, of Chickasha, and Larry Beam, of Wood-ward, both said they hadn’t had much luck yet Thursday but were hoping to land some prize-winners.

Tagged fish range from $10 to $500, and the total for all tagged fish adds to $21,000.

In addition, there are other ways to win. Prizes will be awarded for the top five largest walleye fish caught. First place nets $1,000, second place gets $750, third place draws $500, fourth place gets $350 and fifth place gets $200. Prizes also will be awarded for the most weight of walleye fish caught throughout the event and the largest fish caught from 10 different species. There also will be daily sweepstakes prizes given away at the weigh station, even for those who didn’t catch a fish.

A fishing derby for children 12 and younger is 8 a.m. to noon Sunday at the Canadian shelter area. Eight lifetime fishing licenses will be given away, as will other prizes.

Fishing isn’t the only activity over the weekend at the lake. Food and entertainment are plentiful.

Tonight, from 5 to 8, attendees can enjoy a pulled pork dinner at Canton Fire Department.

On Saturday, a breakfast of sausage and biscuits will be served 8-10 a.m. on Main Street by Canton Masonic Lodge. Walleye Rodeo Parade goes through downtown at 10 a.m. That’s the same time Grand Arts Council starts selling onion burgers, continuing through 2 p.m. If onion burgers are not a meal of choice, the Cub Scout fish fry begins at 11:30 a.m. To round off the day’s activities, there are two dances: the free street dance sponsored by Canton Saddle Club and a dance at Cookie’s Club.

Canton Lady Tiger Booster Club will host a hamburger fry beginning at 11 a.m. Sunday at the weigh station. The awards ceremony will be at the weigh station or, in case of bad weather, the high school gym at 1:30 p.m.

To wrap up the weekend, Longdale Country Op’ra will perform 7-10 p.m. in Longdale gym.