What a difference a week and 20-degree warmer temperatures make. Following several previous days of near-zero weather, Saturday’s conditions during the 2009 Lions Club Perch Derby at Chenango Lake seemed almost Spring-like. And the anglers came out in droves because of it and the chance to pocket some prizes and cash.

In all, 646 registered anglers tried their hand at catching the first tagged perch, and although many perch were caught, none wore the special tag. So the $1,000 donated by NBT Bank, was given away by a drawing of registered anglers at the end of the derby. The average length of the largest perch measured every 15 minutes was 11 7/8 inches, while the largest perch of the day was 14 _ inches, caught by Shawn Cummings who received a $150 prize. The largest pickerel of the event was caught by Hunter O'Connor and measured 25 _ inches. Hunter’s toothy catch also won him $150.

Winners in the special NBT drawing were: Carter Brightman $500, David Brisock $250, John Nober $100, Jeff Pendorf $75, Andrew Beach $50, Daniel Thall $25. Winners in the raffle were: David Houseknecht--$200 Savings Bond donated by Wilber National Bank, Stanley Myers--$100 Cash donated by Sidney Federal Credit Union, Mary Ellen Sherman--$100 Cash donated by NBT Bank, Crystal Lackos--$100 Gift Card donated by Fred's Inn, Cindy Rutherford--$100 Gas Card donated by Valero/Blue Ox Corp., Tim Francisco--$100 Gift Card donated by Mayhood's Sporting Goods, Roger Monaco--$100 Gift Card donated by Bartles Pharmacy, Tim Bickford--$100 Cash donated by Visions Federal Credit Union.