Photo by Dawn Rankins
Over 200 attend Kids Fishing Derby
More than 200 boys and girls ages 5 to 15 entered the 36th Annual Bassmasters Canyon Lake Kids Fishing Derby Saturday with those catching the largest fish walking away with trophies.
After a morning of fishing, a free lunch was provided by the Canyon Lake Bassmasters Club at Holiday Harbor Park. Prizes were given to all of the participants as were worms for those who wanted the bait.
Those who entered the competition were placed into three age-group categories and those in each category with the most total weight won the awards. Trophies also went to those who caught the biggest Bluegill, Carp and Catfish.
First place in the 5-to-7 age group went to Parker White who caught a total of 13.97 pounds with three catfish, second place went to Locklin Wright with three catfish weighing in at 13.19 pounds and third place went to Lane Brenton with three catfish weighing in at 12.69 pounds.
For the age group 8-to-11, first prize went to Paris Alanbar with one carp weighing in at 15.39 pounds, Ava Aguiree with three catfish weighing in at 13.25 pounds and third place went to Aidan Moreno with three catfish weighing in at 10.90 pounds.
Age group 12-to-15 winners were first place Jacob Hoiter with three catfish weighing in at 15 pounds, second place to Nathial Beardsley with three catfish weighing in at 13.74 pounds and third place to Ryan Rednick with three catfish and 2 bluegill weighing in at 13.34 pounds.
Big Fish winners were Reed Brenton with a 6.31 pound catfish, Connor Fulkerson with a 1.37 pound Bluegill and Michael Pulley with a 22.85 pound carp.
While out fishing around the lake, kids were enjoying time catching fish or just hanging out with their moms and/or dads.
One participant waxed philosophical when asked about his day. Young Brody Foss, 13, said this was his first tournament, but he’s been fishing for about three to four years.
“I enjoy fishing because it helps with my patience,” Brody said. “Before I started fishing, I didn’t have patience, but fishing helps me with learning to be a patient person. The best part, though, is having a fish on the line.”
Photos by Dawn Rankins
