GARFIELD BAY - It started a quarter century ago with a handful of guys who liked to fish.

Friday, more than 200 anglers are expected to head out on Lake Pend Oreille for the 25th anniversary of the Halloween Derby that was started at Kilroy Resort and is now hosted by the Captn's Table.

"Over the years we have gained some great anglers, fish, fun times and all," wrote Mary Thompson of the Captn's Table.

The adults-only derby runs through Sunday.

Friday activities conclude with a dinner served at 5 p.m. Live Auction at 7:30 p.m., with all proceeds to the jackpot.

The action continues Saturday and Sunday, with boats on the water from early morning to dark.

All lines must be out of the water by 3 p.m. Sunday, and all fish must be weighed in by 4 p.m.

If you purchase a derby ticket at the Captn's Table, it accepts cash only.

Thompson said the derby, a favorite of many fishermen, has grown over the years, to a point it was more than she expected when she took it on.

"When Kilroy Resort closed, Paul Carson and Wally Marsh came to me and asked if I would host a derby. First word out of my mouth was sure. Second was, 'What do I have to do?' and of course their answer was nothing, other than weighing in fish."

Wrong.

"It is much more than that. But with all the challenges and great help it makes it just that much more fun," she wrote.

Fishermen are hopeful to hook some monster macks and rainbows. Past winners have weighed in at more than 25 pounds.

Along with an increase in anglers for the Halloween Derby, sponsors have stepped up, too.

This year's sponsors include Mark's Marine, Black Sheep, Fins & Feathers, Frisky Ginny Flies, Jim Beam, Odom Corp. and Centennial Distributing.