(Photo by Brett Dunlap) Phil Kupfner of Parkersburg brought his granddaughters, Virginia, 3, and Willow, 5, to the 44th Annual Parkersburg Fishing Derby Saturday at the City Park pond. An avid fisherman, he hoped to get his granddaughters interested in the sport by buying them a couple of small fishing poles.

PARKERSBURG — Many youthful anglers came out Saturday at Parkersburg City Park and Southwood Park hoping to get “the big one” for the 44th Annual Parkersburg Fishing Derby.

The fishing derby was open to kids, ages 3-14. Family members helped the kids tie lures and bait to a line, cast the line out and more with a number of family members passing on what they know about fishing to a younger family member.

Despite temperatures in the upper 30s to lower 40s, many people came out to both parks.

They had around 250 pre-registrations with over 100 who signed up Saturday morning before the derby began at City Park, said Kela West, the administrative assistant for the Wood County Recreation Commission, which organized the event. She estimated there were around 350 at City Park and around 250-300 at Southwood Park.

“I’d say we had 500-600 between both parks,” West said. “It has been really successful.

(Photo by Brett Dunlap) Xavier Powell, 13, of Parkersburg, caught a 15 ½ inch fish at Southwood Park Saturday during the 44th Annual Parkersburg Fishing Derby. Tim Starcher measured the fish at the measuring station during the derby.

“Even though the weather was cloudy and a little cold, it was not rainy or windy. That was helpful. If it is windy the lines will cross a lot more and it gets more tricky. Not having the wind, it is calm and still, which is perfect for fishing.”

Members of the Parkersburg High School Big Reds Football team were helping. Members of the Parkersburg South Patriots Football team were walking around Southwood Park talking to the kids, which organizers said the kids are always excited about getting to talk and interact with them.

The event had numerous sponsors and prize drawings were done throughout the event.

“There is a lot of community involvement,” said Bill Vincent, director of Wood County Recreation.

Many people who came out enjoyed fishing while older family members wanted to share their love of fishing with the younger generation.

(Photo by Brett Dunlap) Brooks Richards, 3, of Parkersburg, shows off the fish he caught Saturday at Southwood Park during the 44th Annual Parkersburg Fishing Derby.

Phil Kupfner of Parkersburg bought his granddaughters, Willow, 5, and Virginia, 3, a couple of small fishing poles.

“They wanted to check them out,” he said. “Papaw is a big fisherman.

“I want to get them into something that they will love to do for the rest of their lives and hopefully keep them out of trouble.”

Crystal Ambrose of Williamstown brought her daughter, Adalynn Gunnoe, 9, out to the derby at City Park.

“She loves fishing and just being outdoors, exploring and just wanted the chance to catch a fish,” Ambrose said.

(Photo by Brett Dunlap) Cohen Watson, 10, of Parkersburg, puts a worm on the hook as he prepares to cast his line at the City Park pond Saturday during the 44th Annual Parkersburg Fishing Derby.

Adalynn came close to catching one where she had a tug on her line but the fish got away.

When asked what the best part of fishing was?

“Catching,” Adalynn replied.

Mandy Eisenbarth of Parkersburg brought her son Cohen Watson, 10, out to City Park for the first time to participate in the Fishing Derby.

“We wanted to come out here every year, but we are usually busy doing something,” she said. “This year we were lucky that we made it out. We had nothing else going on. This is his first year.”

(Photo by Brett Dunlap) A crowd of people gathered at Parkersburg City Park Pond Saturday for the 44th Annual Parkersburg Fishing Derby. Between Parkersburg City Park and Southwood Park, derby organizers estimated they had around 500-600 participants in the derby.

They too had a bite, but weren’t able to reel it in.

“We should have waited a little longer,” Eisenbarth said.

Watson said he just wanted to fish.

“I like to fish,” he said. “I just don’t get to do it very much.”

With construction work at Southwood, organizer Sam Mace said the crews put down gravel and did other work so those who were fishing would be able to get around the pond and be able to fish from various points.

(Photo by Brett Dunlap) Tim Ambrose helps his granddaughter Adalynn Gunnoe with her fishing pole Saturday at the Parkersburg City Park pond during the 44th Annual Parkersburg Fishing Derby.

“Whenever the facility is better, we are excited,” she said.

Michaela Richards of Parkersburg brought her sons, ages 3 and 4, out to Southwood Park. Her younger son, Brooks, caught a fish and had it measured.

“He was so excited and jumping up and down.” Richards said. “He kissed the fish when he pulled it out of the water.

Xavier Powell, 13, of Parkersburg, caught a 15 ½ inch fish at Southwood. Overall, he said things were a little slow, but he still enjoyed himself.

“I just love the outdoors and fishing,” he said. “My family is really into that. We come out here every year and we usually catch 12 decent trout. We go home, eat them and have a good time.”

Above all, organizers hoped people enjoyed themselves.

“It is great to come out and be with family members and be able to enjoy yourself on a Saturday,” Vincent said. “It is educational.

“If you know how to fish, you are experiencing something you will know for a lifetime.”