KIDS FISHING DERBY
Yesterday the Recreation Department hosted their first fishing derby here in Allegany State Park. This derby was for kids aged 15 and under with over 150 children who registered to participate in this event. I was asked to help with the fishing tournament at one of the check in stations to report their captures (then release their fish due to this being a catch and release event).
Fishing from a canoe on Red House Lake.
I must have been a “jinks” to the kids because no one around my station was catching anything (except seaweed). I continued to hear from other stations about the pages, and pages of fish being reported to them. I just wanted one child to catch something for me, what’s going on?? I had been at the station for ~5 hours and Kevin covered for me so that I could go purchase my Chicken BBQ. I must have been gone about 15+ minutes while the station finally had their first fish record (ugg, missed it)! Then just as we were about to close the station down a young fisherman brought us two more fish! YEAH!! I was no longer a jinks!!
Although my station was a flop, their were so many other stations with kids reporting their captures continuously. This was such a successful event yesterday with some captures by kids that would make many adults proud to have caught. To be honest, they did such a wonderful job in catching fish that the recreation staff fell behind schedule in reporting who was getting which awards! I was very pleased to see so many donations by many national and local organizations. Hats off to them who helped make this event as spectacular as it was.
Common Ringlet and Halloween Pennant
I might not have been good luck for the kids but I sure had fun chasing a few dragonflies and butterflies around all afternoon. A family who has been attending my nature walks over the past 8 years (back when I use to do them) also helped pass the time by chatting and fishing around my station (thanks, thanks, thanks). I ended up at their campfire that evening and we shared many laughs. Aaaaaa, this was such a wonderful day!
Mon@rch's Nature Blog 
I’m glad you weren’t a complete flop-fish wise! Sounds like a fun day was had by all-I just saw a whole bunch of Monarchs hanging out on Maple at the Park! (thought of you ;D)
19 August 2007 at 12:31 pm
Sounds like a lot of fun and I know that the kids are always impressed with their catch – whatever the size!
19 August 2007 at 3:25 pm
It’s so good to get kids into fishing. It teaches patience and is just plain good fun.
19 August 2007 at 4:32 pm
What a great day, Tom, even though the kids at your location didn’t catch much!
19 August 2007 at 6:27 pm
It does sound wonderful. The lazy days of summer. I love them too.
19 August 2007 at 7:14 pm
Hey Mr. Tom. I was so inspired by your wonderful work that I began my own blog (see above). It’s still in its infancy, but now open to the public. Have a look if you so desire.
Great work on your blog.
19 August 2007 at 7:54 pm
very nice writeup~
i’m trying to bring my 3year old son for a fishing trip soon.
cheers!
19 August 2007 at 10:13 pm
@ marg – It was a very fun day and I only had one Monarch yesterday! Were these butterflies starting to move south?
@ Sherri – it sure was and so many kids were so excited with each catch whatever size it was!
@ Linda – I so agree with you in getting the kids out their fishing!
@ Pam – sure was and they just moved to the other side of the lake where everyone was catching them!
@ Barb – it sure was and yesterday would have been a great one to enjoy being lazy!
@ Tomek – already visited and great site ! I added you to my RSS feeds already!
@ Wang – thanks and I sure hope you two enjoy your fishing trip! Thanks for visiting!
19 August 2007 at 10:27 pm
You, a FLOP? Never! You made me laugh about chasing butterflies and dragonflies…
Your work is too much fun, Tom. Darn.
19 August 2007 at 11:06 pm