Fort Drum's Fish and Wildlife Management Program hosted the 12th Annual Fishing Derby on Saturday at Remington Park. The foreboding weather forecast may have kept some people away, but 64 youths participated and most persevered the showers that came later in the afternoon.
A total of 312 fish of seven different species were caught and released in less than four hours. The largest fish of the derby was a 18-inch largemouth bass caught by 3-year-old Kimberly Gilmore. Hunter Hewitt, 7, caught the most fish during the derby with 23.
Prizes were awarded for overall largest and most fish caught, as well as the top three places in three age groups for largest and most fish. Each participant was eligible for only one prize. Prizes also were awarded for the longest cast in one of four age groups.
Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation provided worms, and Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers provided food. Representatives from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation also participated.
In the 6-year-old and younger age group, winners of the largest fish category were Serenity Reyes with a 13.8-inch largemouth bass, followed by Brett Tessay with an 11.8-inch largemouth bass and Kylee Bednarczyk with a 10.4-inch brook trout. Winners of the most fish category were Anthony Truncellito, Sean Halladay and April Pressley.
In the 7-11 age category, first place went to William Gilmore with a 13.8-inch largemouth bass, followed by Maithily Diaz with an 11-inch bullhead and Eliana Schultz with a 10.9-inch bullhead. Brothers Brad and Cody Toner placed first and second with most fish caught, followed by Timothy Duncan.
In the 12-18 age group, winners for the largest fish were Arm Spurr, Taylor Jones and Jason Penner. Most fish in this age group was Russell Santarsiero with 12 fish, followed by Jed Gallina and Davante Smith.
Casting contest winners in the age 6 and younger category was Ashton Brake with a cast of 80.5 feet; in the 7-10 age category, Cody Toner was first place with a cast of 106.5 feet; in the 11-14 age category, Taylor Jones won with a cast of 102 feet; and in the 15-18 age category, Jason Penner won with a cast of 100 feet.
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