Anglers from across southwestern Ontario are converging on local waters for the Bluewater Anglers salmon derby.

The 36th annual competition kicks off April 27 and continues until May 6. About 1,000 anglers are expected to compete in five different categories with cash prizes for the biggest fish.

“It’s a good chance to get out on the lake and take advantage of the spring fishing,” said Paul Heckley of Bluewater Anglers.

The salmon competition has the biggest purse, with $5,000 going to the winner and prizes for the top 10 fish. Competitors can also net prizes for reeling in hefty trout and walleye.

The competition is based on the weight of the fish — the heavier, the better.

The shallow water in southern Lake Huron makes for great fishing in the early spring, Heckley said. The number of fish caught in the derby varies depending on the weather, he added.

Last year saw about 800 fish weighed, while nearly twice as many were caught in 2010. Things are looking pretty good for this year’s competition, Heckley said.

“The guys are starting to catch a few, it’s been a very good year for the guys fishing under the bridge,” he said.

The Bluewater Anglers have been running the derby since 1980. All profits go toward running the club’s hatchery, located by the Blue Water Bridge.

Derby waters cover from the southern tip of Fawn Island in the St. Clair River north to Lake Huron between Grand Band Harbour and Lexington, Mich.

The public event draws participants from Windsor to Goderich, and brings tourism dollars into the city, Heckley said.

Tickets to enter are $25 and available at The Outdoorsman and Buck's Baits, Canadian Tire, or by visiting the Bluewater Anglers’ web site at www.bluewateranglers.com.