FORT GORDON, Ga. -- (Oct. 12, 2011) Children and young adults brought their fishing poles Oct. 8 to the Boardman Lake Kids Fishing Derby where parents watched as children reeled in their catch of the day.
The fishing competition was the first one held at Boardman Lake, near the commanding general's quarters. Children ages 3 to 15 were provided live bait to fish around the lake from 8 to 11 a.m. Each participant received a free competition T-shirt after their registration.
"It's our first time at a fishing derby," said Zoe Schultz, military spouse. "They're just loving it."
Parents were able to help assist cast and hold fishing rods for their children, but they were discouraged from doing all the fishing since it was a competition designated for children to enjoy and compete with each other.
Staff Sgt. Joshua Lasiter, 442nd Signal Battalion, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, assisted his daughter Madison reel in her first catch of the day. It was too small to keep, so they tossed it back to the lake and recast Madison's hook. Seconds later, she hooked another fish. With a surprised look of accomplishment at the size of the fish, she smiled and thanked her dad.
"Now let's get it a friend," said Lasiter. "Try catching dinner tonight instead of just for your own."
After the fishing was complete, hot dogs and drinks were free to participants. Each child competing in the derby had their total catch of the morning weighed in the four age categories.
First place trophies were given to Gabriel Melendez, ages 5 and under with catch weight of 4 pounds 11 ounces; Nigel Daniel, ages 6 to 8 with catch of 9 pounds 6 ounces; Lauren Waldun, ages 9-12 with catch of 4 pounds 9 ounces; CJ Waldun, ages 13 to 15 with catch of 2 pounds 5 ounces.
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