Justin Howard defends Irwin Fishing Derby title

Three-way tie results in playoff round

At approximately 1 p.m. Sunday, the trumpet sounded and it was on. Five hours later, including a playoff round, Justin “DJ Just How” Howard held off up-and-comer Eli “Lamborghini” Lambro and veteran angler Andrew “Butters” Butterfield to take the 2013 Irwin Fishing Derby title.
The win was Howard’s second title in a row and earned him another sizeable payday, ultimately keeping a roof over his head for another month.
“Half went to rent, the other half went to a celebration,” says Howard.
The Irwin Fishing Derby, an unsanctioned group fish, kind of like the Crested Butte Classic is an unofficial group ride, saw its most diverse field of anglers on Sunday, July 14, all gunning for the $400 purse.
As is often the case, floatation devices ran the gamut. The Aquatoy paddle boat made another showing, and canoes were out in force, along with aluminum boats, stand up paddleboards and river-worthy rafts.
There were also a number of homemade set-ups, including two kayaks joined together by a piece of plywood with a hole drilled in it for rod placement. The set-up provided a unique amount of maneuverability and a way for the angler to troll as well as cast—all the while sitting comfortably in a camp chair with a cooler.
And if my memory and my eyes are still both intact, it appeared that the old aluminum boat, once ridden on snow at top speed into a stand of trees below Keith Fortin’s old house, has been resurrected, is still sea worthy and was on the lake for the tournament.
As for the fishing gear, you had your fly fisherman, your spin casters and both. Ben Eaton had a monster on the line early on until his pole snapped, losing the fish and half of his fishing pole but not his competitive drive.
The diversity of competitors ranged from seasoned veteran derbyites to a number of up-and-comers all around the age of 12, as well as Penny the dog, working the shoreline and hitching paddleboard rides. And then there was defending champion Howard, who was out on a mission and could feel the eyes of his competitors upon him.
“There was totally a target on my back,” says Howard. “They were all gunning for me.”
The bar was set early as one competitor reeled in a fish measuring 11.75 inches but by 2 p.m. young gun Lambro had the longest fish, measured at 12.5 inches.
Butterfield soon matched Lambro and the two were locked in a tie with time running out.
Never one to be rattled while fishing, Howard maintained his mental fortitude.
“Focus was at an all-time high,” says Howard. “There’s lots of distractions out there on Lake Brennand.”
Fish started hitting and Howard started slaying but it wasn’t until the final 30 minutes that he sealed his spot in the playoff round, landing a 12.5-inch rainbow on a fly.
“I had three or four in the last hour,” explains Howard. “It was a little bit nerve-wracking but I was confident I could get one up on the board.”
Three years ago, officials were in a similar dilemma with a three-way tie.
After an unsuccessful playoff round, the title came down to feats of strength with a hatchet toss.
This year, the playoff was discussed prior to the derby and the rules decided, in the event of a tie, a playoff round will be held with the first one to land a fish taking the title.
The three fishermen hit the water in their respective crafts and on his fourth cast, Howard sealed the deal.
“I added a little secret sauce to my rig and within four casts, boom,” explains Howard. “Defending the title feels good.”