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"The ice is gone and Father's Day is Sunday. When has it been a better time to fish?Lake Champlain International is gearing up for this weekend's derby - expecting 5,500 participants.LCI says everyone can expect to have a good time with their family and friends. \"Spend a nice long weekend out on the water, that's what fishing is really about,\" said Eric LaMontagne, outreach director for LCI.\u00A0The three-day derby goes from Saturday, June 14 to Monday, June 16. LCI says it's a great way to honor both dads and Lake Champlain. All of the proceeds go toward preserving the lake.\u00A0\"The proceeds go back into Lake Champlain, into conservation, water quality and youth efforts, so that we can continue to see those benefits that this amazing lake gives us year after year,\" LaMontagne said.The organizers are able to offer extra big prizes this year due to the increased size and health of the fish in the lake.Local businesses are also getting in on the fun. They're doing it in more than one way.\"Every year it's a big event for us. We see a big influx in sales, not only in fishing but marine items as well,\" said Brian Baird.Scott Richardson is a local angler and experienced jeweler who made custom lucky coins for the event.\u00A0\"I made 300 - there will be 70 winners and they'll each get one free. I'll make as many as they need, I'm in on this project,\" he said.\u00A0This year, LCI expects there will be another chance of a number of record breaking fish."^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.mynbc5.com/article/father-s-day-derby-with-new-big-prizes/3317155>