COLCHESTER, Vt. -
Teams of outdoor enthusiasts were reeling in the big fish, and needed funding for Lake Champlain.
Competitors weighed Sunday afternoon after spending the morning on the water for the annual Lake Champlain International Fishing Derby.
Anglers are allowed up to six large or small-mouth bass, but are penalized if the fish aren't successfully released back into the water as well. Organizers say nearly twice as many teams signed up for this year's event compared to last year's.
"Last year we had some remnants of the flood that was causing some problems and of course Irene had happened as well, but this year it's right back to where we like to see it -- it's great," said Eric LaMontagne, LCI's Outreach Director.
LaMontagne says Sunday's great weather also contributed to the higher numbers.
Lake Champlain International will pour all of the funds raised at the derby back into the lake, though conservation, youth education, and community outreach.
Tim Aldrich and Brad Bellville took Sunday's tops prize with a combined weight of 24.83 pounds
