Pike County Commissioners host annual fishing derby
MILFORD — One of the area's time-honored Rites of Spring is the opening of Pennsylvania's trout season.
This event is highly anticipated by anglers of all ages and abilities. It's also celebrated in a variety of ways all across the Commonwealth.
Fishing derby
On Saturday, April 15, the Pike County Commissioners hosted their annual Fishing Derby. This marked the 25th year for the contest, which takes place at Lily Pond near Milford.
Saturday's event attracted a total of 210 boys and girls, each of whom took part in a friendly fishing competition designed to attract a new generation of anglers.
Prizes were awarded to the top three finishers in each age category.
First place winners took home a brand new fishing pole, courtesy of Luhrs True Value Hardware, a tackle box and a net provided by Pike County Outfitters.
Runners-up received a fishing pole and tackle box, while third place finishers were given a fishing pole.
According to contest officials, no one walked away empty-handed. Every single participant took home a prize, such as bait, bobbers, hooks, lures or a scale to weight fish.
At the end of the day, Gage Salazar reeled in the biggest trout overall. He won the 14-15-year-old division with a fish that measured 20 inches.
In honor of this achievement, Salazar was presented with an IHOME Charging Station/Bluetooth Speaker, and a throw blanket donated by Blue Ridge Communications.
Contest winners
Top anglers in each age category are as follows...
•Five and Under: Logan Campbell (16”); Jason Montana (15.5”); Levi Lig (15”); Korbin Zuccarelli (14”); Arthur Keller (12”); Cassidy Fisher (8.5”).
•6-7 Year-Olds: Mia Lig (15”); Matthew Marshall (15”); Michael Zuccarelli (15”); Johnny Montana (13”).
•8-9 Year-Olds: Wyatt Love (16”); Kennedy Stead (15”); Chase Scully (11”).
•10-11 Year-Olds: Blake Mady (19”); Keaton Stygar (15”); Joe Korycki (13”); Landry Abbott (12.5”).
•12-13 Year-Olds: Miles Johnson (16”).
•14-15 Year-Olds: Gage Salazar (20”).
According to Communications Coordinator Shannon DeVuyst, the Pike County Commissioners are sincerely grateful to the many folks who helped make the silver anniversary a rousing success.
“The Commissioners would like to thank the many sponsors and volunteers who helped make this year's derby a success,” she said.
“The Commissioners extend a special thank-you to Northwell Health for their generous donation of $5,000, which covered the cost associated with stocking the pond, and also to the Pike County Maintenance staff for setting up the event.”
This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: More than 200 participants turn out for 25th annual fishing derby
