Go fish!

by Lori R. Cooper

On a sunny June 11 there were 73 kids participating in the Indian Mountain Lake annual kids fishing derby. The Fishing Lake had been stocked with 400 pounds of fish from Big Brown Fish Hatchery the day before. Families helped fill buckets with trout, pickerel, palomino, perch and sunnies in preparation for the derby.

Six stations were set up around the lake to record the catches with measurement and weight of the fish. The stations were busy, as the children caught a lot of fish.

Prizes were awarded for first fish, smallest fish, largest trout (in length), and the most fish. There were three age categories for the prizes: 1-6 years old, 7-11 years old, and 12-15 years old.

Prizes up for grabs included a $100 Domino’s gift card and gift cards in varying amounts from local business sponsors.

Board member and fishing committee liaison

Scott Zupnik said “This is important for the kids to spend time with their family, friends and neighbors. Lots of people are here to help and give a sense of community and pride in the community.”

The IML Fishing Committee and 18 community volun- teers made this a special day for the kids. Fishing poles were available if needed and everyone was provided with worms.

Pat Wagner had the slimy job of handing out worms. She noted, “I love fishing. I love to see the kids learning about fishing, that’s our future.”

For many of the kids it was their first time fishing and they were eager to reel one in.

Fishing Committee member Belita Webb worked at the grill, cooking up hotdogs and supplying the kids with chips and water, all at no cost.

This fun-filled day was made possible by the donations of local businesses, community members, volunteers and the dedicated members of the Fishing Committee. Walking around the lake there was a great feeling of community unity.

Winners of the derby were:

Largest fish (length)–Ages

1-6 Peyton Guess, Ages 7-11

Matthew Allem, Ages 12-15

Adam Ziolkiewicz

Smallest fish (length)–

Most Fish–Ages 1-6