Kids compete in Swarthout’s annual fishing derby

ELMIRA, N.Y. ( WETM ) — This year’s annual Take a Child Fishing Derby saw 193 children compete in catching the biggest bluegill known as the sunfish. Children were out in the rain with their families at Eldrige Park congregating around the lake and looking to win the prize of having their fish mounted to be hung on the wall.

Kids between the ages of two and 15 were eligible to participate in the derby. One of the parents at the park Aaron Roberts said how it was a nice way for kids to get out and try water-related activities to enjoy in

“I think they need to be outside to do more of this stuff on a regular basis with all the technology nowadays this is way better for them to get outside and do stuff,” said Roberts.

One of the young anglers Ayden Luther enjoyed being outside in the derby and said, “Have fun with my dad and hanging out with people.”

Dylan Jackson who competed in his last year of eligibility added, “Waiting for the fish to bite, and when they bite you just feel a jolt.”

The derby had four separate winning categories for different age groups: 2-5, 6-8, 9-12, and 13-15. A 4-year-old caught a winning fish that weighed 1 pound and .002 ounces; an 8-year-old’s winning catch weighed 1 pound and 13.4 ounces; an 11-year-old’s catch was 1 pound and 11.5 ounces; a 13-year-old had a winning catch that weighed 1 pound and 2.6 ounces

For this year’s derby, every participating child received a new fishing rod.

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