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Kids fishing derby

WHIPPLE–It’s that time of year again for competitors of all ages to see who can catch the biggest fish during the annual Washington County Fish and Game Club Fishing Derby. Located at 2100 Duck Creek Road in Whipple, fishers of all ages have a chance to compete among each other for the catch of the day while making memories that are priceless.

“We usually have a lot of youngsters that have never fished come out so this is an excellent opportunity for people to learn how to fish,” said Jeff Shaw, Washington County Fish and Game Club board member. “This really introduces them to the outdoor sport.”

This annual fishing derby happens every Sunday after Mother’s Day and is a free event that is open to the public. Shaw said each angler will receive a gift just for participating. There will be three trophies per age group. The ages per class are 1-to-6-years-old, 7-to-12-years-old and 13-to-17-years-old.

“A lot of what we do is all donated or purchased by the club,” said Shaw. “This year each of our board of directors donated the trophies with our president donating the president’s trophies.”

This event has drawn in anywhere from 200 to 600 anglers every year, according to Sid Antill, board member. Food and beverages will be available, including hot dogs, sloppy joes, chips, popcorn, popsicles, soda and water.

“This has been a club event since the 1950s,” said Shaw. “The lake is stocked each year before the derby with an assortment of fish.”

Catfish, Crappie, Hybrids, Bluegills, Red Ear Bluegills, Perch and Bass are just a few of the types of fish that will fill the seven-acre pond.

“Trophies are bigger than ever this year with three trophies being awarded for each class,” said Shaw. “There will also be a trophy given out to the individual who shows the most sportsmanship and those are also big.”

The derby starts at 1 p.m. and carries on until 3 p.m. Shaw wanted to note that each angler is expected to bring their own bait.

“This year we have done a lot of improvements to our grounds,” said Shaw. “To name a few there’s a new park grills around the lake, more restrooms, more trees being planted, new archery targets and our gun range has changed.”

For more information, call the Washington County Fish and Game Club at 740-336-7028.

If you go

¯What: Washington County Fish and Game Club Fishing Derby.

¯Where: 2100 Duck Creek Road in Whipple.

¯When: Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m.

¯Who: Anyone ages one through 17-years-old.

¯Cost: Free.

¯Bring your own bait.

Source: Jeff Shaw, Washington County Fish and Game Club board member.

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