Triple Fish Challenge has plenty of firsts

There were plenty of highlights and firsts in the Grand Coulee Dam Area Chamber of Commerce Triple Fish Challenge last weekend.

The fishing tournament attracted a record number of boats and participants to the fifth annual two-day event held on Banks Lake, starting and ending at Coulee Playland.

Chamber Executive Director Peggy Nevsimal said 18 boats with 46 participants entered the Triple Fish event, with a record number of young anglers (14).

Topping off the big fish that "didn't" get away was a 12.55-pound walleye caught by Alex Dombroski, of Duvall, Washington.

On Saturday, adult category winners were: for smallmouth bass, 5.08 pounds, William Moffett, Tacoma; for walleye, 12.55 pounds, Dombroski, Duvall; trout, 4.57 pounds, Robert Arrants, Spokane.

Saturday youth winners were: for smallmouth bass, 4.25 pounds, Lucas Thompson, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; trout, 1.37 pounds, Isaac Whitaker, Hartline.

On Sunday, adult, big string, Jim Stanley, Creston, 7.47 pounds; smallmouth bass, 4.79 pounds, Corey Yiap, Seatac; walleye, 2.62 pounds, William Moffett, Tacoma; and trout, 3.41 pounds, Rod Boutain, Grand Coulee.

Sunday, youth, big string, Anthony Alvarez, Moses Lake, 7.71 pounds; smallmouth bass, 4.29 pounds, Lucas Thompson, Coeur d'Alene; walleye, 4.34 pounds, Anthony Alvarez, Moses Lake; and trout, 3.45 pounds, Isaac Whitaker, Moses Lake.

Nobody won the boat and motor, but Nevsimal said it was the most successful Triple Fish tournament the chamber has sponsored to date.