By Krystal Smalley
ksmalley@wbcowqel.com
Sunshine, a slight breeze, and hungry fish proved to be the right recipe for this year’s Youth Fishing Derby.
The Crawford Park District hosted its annual event for young anglers at the Lowe-Volk Park pond Saturday morning where 46 participants gathered around the bank and cast their lines. The tiny fishermen and women had two hours to catch as many fish as they could for the competition. Once caught, the fish were measured by Park District volunteers before being released back into the pond.
Twelve-year-old Joseph Griefenstine stationed himself along the west bank of the Lowe-Volk pond, his dad and three brothers claiming spots nearby. Shortly before 10:30 a.m., Griefenstine reeled in a 9.5-inch fish.
It was not large enough to beat his brother Nathan’s catch, as 12-inch largemouth bass that held the record for being the biggest fish caught to that point during the competition. Joseph, however, did not seem to care.
“Cool,” said Joseph, a kid of few words, but an experienced fisherman.
Rob Griefenstine, Joseph’s and Nathan’s father, said his family found out about the Youth Fishing Derby the day before when they came to Lowe-Volk Park. The Ontario family showed up bright and early to start casting their reels.
“They all wanted to go fishing today,” Rob Griefenstine said before interrupting himself to help one of his sons bring in another fish. “They’ve all caught one now.”
The Youth Fishing Derby did away with the age groups this year, instead opening up the competition to children up to 12 years of age. The youngest fishermen were a pair of 2-year-olds, one of which held the record for the most fish caught.
Two-year-old Alexis Rouse joined her six-year-old sister, Alivia, her mom Grace, and her grandfather, David Horton, for a day of fishing.
“It sounded like fun,” Grace said as Alivia echoed her sentiments by her side.
Alexis caught four fish by the halfway mark of the morning while Alivia trailed her younger sibling with two.
Grace said she brought her daughters to fish in order for them to spend quality time with their grandpa. Horton just smiled at the thought as he sat beside his granddaughter.
Volunteer Rob Farson headed up the event with his daughter. He said this year’s fishing derby was the second largest group they’ve had.
“We’ve got beautiful weather, we’ve got families out having fun. That’s all you want,” Farson said. “It’s one of the best things you can do – go fishin’.”
Kids were awarded prizes for most fish caught, the biggest fish caught, and the smallest fish caught. Those who didn’t win still went home with a T-shirt courtesy of the Crawford Park District.
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