Kids Fishing Derby Winners:

 Front Row - Benjamin Chimenti, Eathon Finlay, Emma Wisor and Colton Neeper

Back Row - Aiden Lockett, Justine Derouin, Audery Smith, Ty Finlay, Jacob Peterson, Chance Pelton, Jacob Butterfuss, Kayla Butterfuss and Brianna Yanulitts

The weather was wet, but it did not dampen the spirits of the 25 kids that showed up for the fishing derby. It was a great success, with everyone catching fish.

We did shorten the time a bit because of the rains.

Many parents came up to me and asked if we were going to do this again, I told them yes. There were several fish caught that were 13" or better.

Many of our members, and wives, came out to help set up, measure fish, cook hot dogs and clean up. We had a great support group from the membership,

The winners were:

Biggest fish overall - Ben Chimenti
First angler to show up - Justine Derouin
Youngest angler - Colton Neeper
Under 5 - Eathon Finlay and Emma Wisor
5 & 6 - Ty Finlay and Jacob Peterson
7 & 8 - Audrey Smith and Aiden Lockett
9 & 10 - Chance Pelton and Kayla Butterfuss
11 & 12 - Jacob Butterfuss and Brianna Yanulittis

I want to let the membership know that they did a fantastic job at our fishing derby. Even though it rained the whole time, the fellows and wives, stuck it out till the end. We had 25 youth show up to fish and they all had a great time.

I received several phone calls on Saturday night from parents, and kids, about the wonderful time they had and are we doing this again. All comments were positive!

There were well over 100 fish caught and released during the day. If you are at the pond and see bobbers moving around, they are still connected to some rather large bass. Several were caught and broke 8-pound fishing line.

There are two new paddles under the canoe, if someone wants to go out with a harpoon, or real heavy tackle, and try to get them.

A picture, and names, of the winners will be in the Courier-Express, Progress, Gant Daily, WTAJ-TV and the "Big Ole Fish".

A special thanks goes out to my wife, Karen, Kristi Hamilton, Mike, Linda and Alan Solida, Steve McClure, Tom Noble, Jeremy Smith, Carl Huss, Rick Knisley, Breck Neeper, Andy and Melissa Chimenti, Brian Allen and Renea, Ed Spencer, Andy and Laura Shaffer.

We will be publishing more pictures from the Derby throughout the week.

 

Thank you all for a job well done,

~ Tom Hamilton