Fishing derby kicks off trout season

MILFORD — The 12th Annual Pike County Children’s Fishing Derby at Lily Pond took place last Saturday despite early morning skies threatening rain. The rain stayed away and the kids had a lot of fun. There were over 200 registered children and about 75 more who didn’t register for the prize contest. Prizes ranged from fishing poles, tackle gear, lures, accessories, and an array of other fishing items. Most were donated by WalMart who was one of the sponsors. The Pike County Commissioners co-sponsor the derby and it was free as was bait and loaner fishing rods for children under the age of 16. Lily Pond was stocked with 13 inch to 24 inch trout the day before. The state provided 1500 trout and another 400 trout were provided by the county. Hot dogs, hamburgers, candy bars as well as hot and cold refreshments were available for purchase. Boy Scout Troop 77 was on hand selling extra bait if needed. The local 4H club was busy as kids tried their hand at a fishing rod casting game. The heavy rain the night before made a lot of areas by the pond a little on the muddy side but that didn’t stop the kids from enjoying themselves. The fishing derby ran from 8:00 am till 12:00 pm and the area at the waters edge around Lily Pond was filled with kids and parents out to have a good time trying their luck at catching trout.