Families and friends braved the chilly morning weather on Saturday, May 10, when they enjoyed Christ the King Lutheran Church’s Third Annual Fishing Derby.

Parents and children bundled up for the event, which was held at the small pond on the church property. The derby was for ages 4-14 accompanied with a parent or guardian and open to everyone regardless of past fishing experience.

A total of 31 children registered for the event, with everyone excitedly crowding around the pond to find their lucky fishing spot. The wet grass did not stop children from slipping on their best pair of rain boots and patiently waiting for their big catch. Nearby parents and even fellow fishers smiled and cheered every time someone caught a fish. If a child’s rod got tangled on stray weeds or even tree branches, a volunteer would quickly go to help them out.

Hungry attendees also stopped by the grill and curbed their appetite with egg and cheese sandwiches.

For Christ the King Lutheran Church Pastor Rob Morris, the fishing derby has always been a bright example of community. He is happy to see people have fun with it every year, he said.

“We’re just excited to hold it again,” Morris said. “There was no discussion as to whether we would do it again, we just did it.”

The pond was filled with dozens of fish, including trout provided by local private trout hatchery Rowledge Pond Aquaculture, before the event. Attendees used worms and other supplies courtesy of Bounty Hunters Custom Bait and Tackle to fish whatever they could.

Participants could win any of five awards: First Fish Caught, Last Fish Caught, Most Fish Caught, Biggest Fish Caught, and Unluckiest Fisherman. Saturday’s winners were Hannah Valigorsky, Willa George, Luke Ackerman, Norah McGrath, and Lia Avallone, respectively.

Bounty Hunters Custom Bait and Tackle also donated five finishing rods as prizes for the award winners.

With another successful fishing derby concluded, Morris said he was grateful to all the volunteers, fishermen, and families who helped make this year’s event special. He encouraged people to keep their eyes open for their fourth annual fishing derby next spring.

=====

Reporter Jenna Visca can be reached at jenna@thebee.com.