Unlike tales of fishing, you don’t have to tell lies when it comes to talking about the “catch” found here in Oak Harbor. To prove this point, OH Magazine’s new feature “Catch of the Day” brings together a group of people to enjoy a fabulous lunch at a great Oak Harbor restaurant — this month Bay City Bistro — and share their favorite things they’ve purchased here in town.

Gathering July 22 for a noon lunch at Bay City Bistro were Nora O’Connell Balda, Linda Haddon, Erin Cook, Jill Johnson, Lisa Susan, along with OH’s own Marcia Van Dyke and Cynthia Woolbright.

One by one the guests arrived to the cozy restaurant reminiscent of a Parisian bistro. From the moment Linda Haddon entered the room, she was bursting at the seams with excitement to share her “catch.”

After spending hundreds of dollars in vet bills for her cat’s aching tummy … she found a miracle cure.

“This is my catch,” she exclaimed, pulling an empty bag of Science Diet high fiber cat food from her purse.

She purchases the kitty lifesaver food at Skagit Farmers Supply, along with Merrick Brand “New Zealand Summer” natural dog food for her beloved whippet.

Haddon was turned onto the brand thanks to the advice of Sunset Kennell owner Cathy Hanshaw.

“They take such great care of my dog and I can’t thank them enough,” Haddon said.

Many had larger items they wish they could have brought, but forgoed due to heft.

“I favorite, favorite thing I’ve bought in Oak Harbor is my tempurpedic bed I bought at Whidbey Furniture,” Erin Cook said. “”But I love these jeans too.”

Lisa Susan is loving her new granite countertops installed by Floors Plus, but she was also mighty proud of a pair of dainty vintage gloves she found at Island Thrift.

Everyone had to try on Jill Johnson’s sunglasses after she proclaimed they made her feel like a movie star.

“They have a great shape and look great on everyone,” she said.

The ladies paused to read and smile as they passed around the cutest island survival guide ever — “How to Live on an Island” by Sandy Gingras.

Chef seth McGee and his crew where no doubt busy in the kitchen that afternoon as the lunch time crowd kept steady in the Bay City Bistro dining room. And every plate that came to the tables was flawlessly presented and longing to be eaten. Among the “catch” crowd the prosciutto sandwich was a favorite, and fettucini, house salads, salmon and veggie lasagna was also enjoyed.

Although she wanted to, Marcia Van Dyke decided not to drag her fitness trainer from Thrive, Tyson Van Dam, to the catch of the day lunch.

“I haven’t been to the gym since college,” she said. “I used to think the weight would just fall off, but it wasn’t like it used to.”

Since Van Dyke signed up for training sessions she’s lost 10 pounds and at least three inches each in her waist, hips and thighs.

“I feel great,” she said. “The only thing now is that some of my favorite outfits are too big for me.”

Nora O’Connell Balda said it’s no surprise that all of these great things were found right here in Oak Harbor.

“There are so many interesting things here that people don’t even know to look for,” she said.

O’Connell Balda said she enjoys shopping as a task for her birthday club.

“The gifts are all supposed to be under $10 and you’d be amazed at what great gifts you can find for under $10,” she said.

In addition to the downtown shops, the group said people should remember to visit local farms such as Lavender Wind off West Beach Road, and the farmers market to find a great “catch.”

“There’s something for everyone at every price point,” Van Dyke said.