CLEARLAKE, Calif. — Considered the biggest of its kind west of the Mississippi, the three-day Catfish Derby in Clearlake Oaks closed to cheers on Sunday, May 18, the last day of the event. 

Two local youngsters and one big winner from Marysville took home the top cash prizes.

“By noon on Friday, when the fishing began, we had registered 949 adults and children from around the State and beyond,” said Derby Chair Dennis Locke. “Another year of excellent lake conditions helps explain the turnout and no doubt news of the record-breaking 37.04 pound catfish caught last September helped too.”

On hand to show their support for the Derby were District 3 Supervisor E.J. Crandall, District Attorney Susan Krones, Sheriff Luke Bingham and Congressman Mike Thompson’s representative, Luca Morretti. 

The group took in the festivities and spent time talking with local volunteers and anglers about the Derby. 

Additionally, a small crew of fire fighters from Cal Fire dropped in as well as other friends of the Derby — including the Purple Queens raising awareness of lupus and sex trafficking. 

Matthew St. Clair, president of the Clearlake Oaks-Glenhaven Business Association, his wife Stacy and their son and mascot, Henry, attended and worked all three days. 

About 80 volunteers work the three-day tournament, with a core group meeting 8 months out of the year to plan the event that draws well over 1,000 visitors who shop, eat, and stay in local business establishments. 

The derby is sponsored by the Clearlake Oaks-Glenhaven Business Association.

“I don’t have the final tally, but it’s safe to say we raised more than $30,000 this year — all of which will go right back into the community to support schools, sports, elders and various other activities,” Locke said.

Clear Lake is known as a premier bass fishing lake with tournaments held year-round. Local sportswriter Terry Knight has often said that the Catfish Derby is by far the largest tournament on the Lake. 

“Judging by the turnout this year, I’d say he’s right,” said Locke. “And this year, we registered 180 kids — more youngsters than ever. 

The Catfish Derby has a long history, beginning as a small affair in Clearlake Oaks in 1978. “We skipped a few years but have been going strong for at least 41 years,” Locke said. 

Sue and Jim Burton, well known for their community advocacy, were on hand to help out. “Jim and I have attended, and volunteered, from the very beginning,” Sue said. “The derby has changed — in size — from about 100 when we kicked off to nearly 1,000 in recent years. But the spirit of the event is not so different. Everyone has a good time, many returning year after year. We love it, especially the way it brings families together. But what I love the most is the kids, seeing the smiles and excitement on their faces tops everything.”

Known for its draw to families, this year’s top winners all attended and fished as family units.
Jerry Bybee from Marysville took the top prize, $5,000 cash, with his 28.31 pound catfish. Jerry’s brothers, J.C. and Tim also attended, along with their wives and kids.

In the kid divisions, two locals captured first place. Six-year-old Alaya Valencia from Clearlake won in the 10 and under division; 12-year-old Scarlett Reordan from Lakeport won in the 11- to 15-year group. Each took home cash prizes of $100.

Alaya’s mom, Chelsea Valencia, said Alaya began fishing with her dad, Shane, as a toddler. “First on ocean-going party boats and by 3 she was fishing for catfish in Clear Lake as a registered participant,” she said. 

Alaya caught her winning 21.93 pound catfish while shore fishing with her sister, Lexi, who placed 3rd in the 11- to 15-year division. 

During the tournament, Valencia was shuttling Lexi back and forth from softball to the Derby. “The credit for the girl’s interest in fishing goes to dad,” she said. “I’m the booster, supporting them all as they enjoy their fishing experiences and happy to do it.”

Scarlett Reordan began fishing in the Derby in 2021. “But she’s been around fishing since she was 4 years old,” said her aunt, Michelle Ladd. “She went into the derby this year very determined to win.”  

Ladd recalled how in the first few years Scarlett would go out for a few hours on the first and second day of the derby. 

“Now she’s out all day and night with the guys. In fact, Scarlett caught this year’s winning 22.35 pound  fish in the middle of the night. She also won 1st place last year with a 20.82 pound fish,” Ladd said.

“I don’t fish, but I’m there to help out and provide support. At this point, I’d say she’s a hard-core fishing enthusiast. My husband, Ron, and I have really enjoyed watching her skills improve and her competitive nature develop,” Ladd said. 

The Bybee family has fished the Derby for 18 years and plans to return next year. First place winner Jerry Bybee; his two brothers, J.C., and Tim; and their families rent several houses in Clearlake and stick together throughout the event, fishing and enjoying their time at the Derby. 

“We’re a group of 15,” Jerry Bybee said. “My brothers have also placed in prior years; J.C. has placed 3rd and Tim 2nd. Also, my nephew, Waylon, placed 7th in the adult division in 2023. It’s definitely a family tradition.”

Bybee said the fishing trips started out as more of a guy thing. “Since we’ve added our families to the mix we’ve had a lot more fun. My wife, Alma, has fished with us for 10 years.”

“We come as a family to enjoy fishing, the lake and being together. I love it – we all love it.  Watching our kids fish with their cousins keeps us coming back to the Derby. It’s a fun and wholesome activity for them to engage in,” Alma Bybee said.
 
Jerry Bybee’s winning fish topped last year’s 1st place winner by just over a half pound. “I’m pleased with my catch, I’d like to go bigger — maybe next year,” he said.

A total of $10,000 cash prizes were distributed. “Everyone who placed — 20 adults and 10 kids, deserves recognition and encouragement to come back for a try at a bigger fish,” Locke said. 

There were many regulars and newcomers this year. The majority of the derby entries were from outside of the county, 53%, compared to 47% within the county.

Gail Jonas, former derby chair, dropped in to cheer on the winners. Along with Gail’s husband Jim, Mike Dean has been on hand regularly to help record the fish weights. “I never get tired of volunteering for the Derby,” Dean said. 

While the final details were being attended to Locke, the chief volunteer, dropped what he was doing to make sure Logan Meleskie, who placed ninth with his 25.05 pound fish, got his check before heading out for his six-hour drive home.

“It’s Logan’s birthday – we couldn’t let him go without his cash prize,” Locke said.

As Meleskie headed home to Fresno, he shouted, “I’ll be back, I’ve already booked my stay for next year.”

Locke, who took over as chair when Gail Jonas stepped down, announced that the 42nd Derby would be under new leadership. “Matthew St. Clair has been working side by side with me this year and is ready to take over. I know he’ll do an outstanding job.”

Details of all wins and a host of photos can be found on www.clearlakeoaks.org/derby and on Facebook, Catfish Derby at the Oaks, where many impromptu photos and videos are posted.