A very special fishing team
by Karina Hunter
Denis (left) and Eric (right)Landry give a big thumbs up, confident they've placed well, after having their fish weighed.
The 2010 Dubreuilville Father’s Day Fish Derby was a great success; the live release derby, held on the Magpie River, welcomed anglers from across Ontario and Michigan but this year, a special Father-Son team from Terrace Bay stood out from among the more than 60 teams, inspiring their competitors with their true love for the sport.
Eric Landry is 24 years old, like other anglers he “Loves to fish and loves to eat fish” but unlike other fishermen in the Dubreuilville Father’s Day Fish Derby, living with downsyndrome presents some unique challenges when it comes to fishing. His father and fishing partner, Denis Landry, seems to have limitless patience and a way of seeing life from a very positive perspective which has allowed Eric to excel as a fisherman in spite of challenges others might have seen as insurmountable.
The pair took 2nd place at this year’s derby, with a total weight of 16.80lbs of fish caught, earning them each trophies in addition to the $2,500 cash, ball caps and one night in a Wawa hotel during next year’s Derby which they were awarded. The prizes seemed secondary however, to this inspirational team, who was much more focused on enjoying their time fishing together, then on any prizes they might collect.
Denis explained that Eric can happily spend all day in the boat which is flat-bottomed to make it easier for Eric to move around in; he is currently learning to drive the boat and start a fire to ensure he is able in case of emergency as they often travel to remote areas looking for the best fishing spots. Though Eric can swim well, lifejackets are always worn by the team which needs to pay special attention to safety measures others might take for granted. Tangled lines and baiting the hook can be difficult for Eric, but his Dad has spent many years practicing fishing skills in the living room prior to trips and Eric perfected the skill of netting a fish by practicing with a float next to the boat when on the water.
Eric cleans and vaccums the boat and helps his Dad with packing and unpacking; he is also in charge of packing the lunches each night prior to their fishing excursions. Denis has patiently taught his son many new skills over their years of angling adventures and Eric also sets rod holders and the anchor, “I always explain exactly what we are doing and why so he understands” explained Denis. They have competed in five derbies together, ranking in the top 10 at three of these. It was clear however, that Eric’s love of fishing and the confidence he gains mastering new skills are Denis’ real motivation for participation in derbies. “He catches as many fish as me sometimes more” said Denis proudly, adding that “He knows many different fishing methods and I always let him try to learn new ones”. Eric does his part to help Dad keep things light and fun by having a great sense of humour, on the first day of the Dubreuilville derby, they could hear music coming from one of the other boats – Eric couldn’t resist dancing in their own boat, giving Denis a good laugh.
Denis admits that it has taken a lot of patience over the years; that he’s had to find many little tricks to help Eric fish but he says it is all worth it at the end of the day. Congratulations to Eric and Denis on their 2nd place win in the Dubreuilville Father’s Day Fish Derby and thank you for providing plenty of inspiration in regards to remembering the importance of fun in family fishing. To view the complete results and photos from the 2010 Dubreuilville Father’s Day Fish Derby, visit www.OntarioNewsNorth.com/?p=14426.
"I love to fish and I love to eat fish" Eric Landry at the 2010 Dubreuilville Father's Day Walleye Derby.
Left to Right; Eric Landry, Derby Official Chantal Mantha and Denis Landry as 'Team Landry' accepts their 2nd place trophies.
When not angling, Eric Landry is very active in the Special Olympics, he represented the Northshore well at the last Ontario Games bringing home a gold medal for snowshoeing.
Submitted to the Chronicle Journal Outdoors Guide and Fytness Fanatik Magazine; 07.16.10D
