BRISTOL – American Legion Post 209 has announced the winners of its annual Fishing Derby, held on May 16, 2021, at Rockwell Park.
The fishing derby saw record-breaking turnout according to Post 209 Historian Bruce Barton, who said that 180 local youths participated.
“Prior to this the most we’ve had is 140,” Barton said on Sunday. “I think it’s because last year we had to cancel and people are finally going out again. They’re excited to get out and we have great prizes. Also it’s a glorious day. You couldn’t ask for a better day weather-wise.”
More than 35 trophies were awarded at the derby, as well as other prizes. Prizes were given to the first boy and girl to catch a trout, the first boy and girl to limit out by catching two trout, the next 25 people to limit out, and the first four people to catch a golden trout. The boy and girl who caught the largest fish each received a giant trophy and a fishing pole.
Post 209 Commander Brian Avery congratulated the winners and had a few stories to share about their successes.
“Hunter Heath was the first person to catch a golden trout, the fourth person to limit out and caught the biggest fish for a boy,” said Avery. “It was 20-and-a-quarter inches and weighed in at four-and-a-half pounds.”
Serina Mendez was the second to limit out and caught the biggest fish for a girl.
“It was a beautiful rainbow trout that was 17 inches long and 2.6 pounds,” said Avery.
Damien Johnson, Avery said, was the second person to catch a golden trout and the eighth person to limit out.
“It was an amazing 19 inches and 4.6 pounds,” said Avery.
Other winners included Colton Masse, who was the third to limit out, Ciarra Coilin, who was the fifth to limit out and Ave Leonard, who was the sixth to limit out. Rowan Sirica was the first girl to limit out.
American Legion Post 209 spent over $3,000 on fish to stock the pond days before the event, and watched the pond from last Friday until the fishing derby took place. Trout were purchased from Harding Trout Hatchery in Bethlehem.
Tal’s Tackles owner Jason Sewell also provided a donation of mealworms and night crawlers for the young fishermen to use as bait.
Brian M. Johnson can be reached at bjohnson@bristolpress.com.
