OHD's Kids Fishing Derby Update

[Scott McKee]

It reminded me of Marc Arena's fish from Caney Creek at the PMTT in Cave Run in 2003.  Marc and Rod Ballard were up against it when Marc Caught a 41" to tie for fourth place in the event on the last day.  With one minute to spare, at 11:59 AM this morning a young man was heard screaming and was bolting for the weigh-in station (a pagoda and picnic tables) at the Old Homes Days' Kids Fishing Derby at Island Park in Williamsville, as most of the competitors were waiting for the final results.  After falling down three times as he raced against time, the young lad had a stream of gibberish spewing forth to the effect of, "Is it a northern or a chain pickerel?  I've never caught a northern before!"

We told this future esox hunter that his eleventh hour catch was indeed a northern pike and he and his entire entourage screamed in jubilation.  As we measured his prize catch, the boy was shaking like a leaf.  His arms and hands were trembling and I'm sure his knees were knocking when we announced his catch had won the derby!  The lad was rendered almost speechless!  It was truly a sight to behold!  The pike was only 14.5-inches, but it may as well have been a 90-inch musky!  The joy on this boys face made the sleep deficit I was running completely worth waking up at eight after going to bed at six.  If you were there and weren't thrilled for the young man, I would have to question your humanity.

We had a fare amount of competitors this year and they were very productive.  The top ten ranged from the triumphant pike to an 8.5" largemouth.  Other species caught included: crappie, sunfish, rock bass, smallmouth bass and a rainbow trout.  All of the kids seemed to have a great time and that is all that really matters in the end.

I would like to thank Carrie Keane, Tony Scime, Marc Arena, Carl Schenk, Joe Zolnowski, Mike Fortunate and Dave Reed for helping out.  Nice work gang.  I really appreciate your help.

[Marc Arena]

My first time at the derby....awesome watching the varied reactions, from children and adults, that come with something as simple as catching a fish.  Kids are good.

[John Miller]

Kids are the only substance by which responsible adults can be formed.

[Mike "the facilities" Fortunate]

That was priceless. He ran around with 1 finger in the air yelling #1 yeaaaaahhhhh like a crazy man