Annual Fishing Derby Reels In

Competitors, Hook, Line & Sinker

By Steve Bigham

The Dickinson Park pool is filled with swimmers during the summer months. But for one Saturday in April, the town’s famous pool is packed with fish and kids from all over town who come to pluck them out.

Last Saturday, dozens of youngsters converged on the pool to take part in the annual Children’s Fishing Derby.

The popular event was co-sponsored by the Newtown Fish & Game Club and the Parks & Recreation Department. And though there were hundreds of different lines in the water, there were plenty of fish to go around.

According to Newtown Fish & Game officials, about 200 children registered for the event, while more than 100 mothers and fathers came along to lend a hand.

The Fish & Game Club stocked the pool with fish earlier in the week, unloading more than 200 fish. Among them was an 18-inch trout, which was reeled in by Connor Farrelly, 4, with a little help from his dad, Larry. That fish took home top prize.

Defending champion Gregory Mastroianni was back out there again this year and was once again in the running for biggest fish. However, his trout fell an inch short of Connor’s.

Shelby Farrelly, 2, reeled in a 12-inch fish which netted her first prize among the tots.

Willie Frampton, 11, took home top prize for the most fish caught.

All winners received a rod and reel compliments of Gary Pepe of Newtown Bait & Tackle.

Earlier this week, the Dickinson Park pool was still home to more than 100 trout. Eventually, the water level in the pool will be dropped, and the fish will be netted and dropped into a local stream.