WEST POINT, N.Y. (May 13, 2010) -- Roughly 35 hardy souls braved the chill and rain to attend the annual fi shing derby May 8 at Round Pond. The event hosted by the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation and the West Point Bass Club, has been on going for more
than 30 years.
Fishing is just one of the fun aspects of the event. A barbecue is served with hot dogs and hamburgers and quick safety and baiting clinics are held before fishing.
First-time "fisher folk" with the more experienced anglers and more than one dad untangled their lines from other lines, retrieved seaweed and poles that, in a
child's excitement, were thrown into the pond.
"It's fun for Families," WPBC President Pat Wimmer said. "Children enjoy throwing their (lines) out there and they get so excited about it."
Fish must be at least six inches if anglers want to keep them. Otherwise, the fish are thrown back into the pond. Bass must be thrown back in any case, as it is not bass season until June.
Children received first, second and third prizes for the biggest fi sh in their age groups and prizes for the most trash that is picked up at the end of the event.
"This is not just a Family event," Wimmer said. "It also teaches children about the environment."
Nikita Brabant, Justin Scott and Curtis Williams received fi rst, second and third prize for the 12-16 year-olds; Logan White, Abigail Pray and Duncan Hart received prizes for the 9-11-year age group and Gabe Jones, Cole Ensten and Katelyn Eubanks received prizes for the 5-8-yearold
group. In the environmental category, or trash pick up, Elizabeth Wertz picked up the most trash.
Social Sharing