Rangeley association draws 129 entrants to kids’ fishing derby

Kids fish around the pond during the Rangeley Region Guides’ & Sportsmen’s Association’s second annual Kids’ Fishing Derby on July 6. Submitted photo

The Rangeley Region Guides’ & Sportsmen’s Association held its second annual Kids’ Fishing Derby on July 6.

On a hot humid day, 129 children cast lines in the association’s kid’s fishing pond in hopes of catching a brook trout. Because of the warm weather, the fish catching was slower than usual. The successful anglers and their families were excited when landing their fish. For many of the children, this was their first fish caught, according to a news release from Scott Hatfield with the association.

All of the participants received commemorative medals, a free lunch, and an opportunity to win multiple raffle prizes.

Kids register for a fishing derby on July 6 in Rangeley. Submitted photo

The trophy winners in the 4-6 year old age group:

First place: Noah Coy, 16 ½-inch trout

Second place: Abigail Gould, 14-inch trout

Third place: Claire Hayden, 10 ¾ inch trout

The trophy winners in the 7-10 year old age group:

First place: Moxie Van Hook, 13 ¾ inch trout

Second place: Addie Desjardins, 10 ½ inch trout

Third place tie: Broden LeClerc and Nyla Minnick, 10-inch trout

Rangeley Kids’ Fishing Derby President Dave Kretzing, left, with grand prize winner Mason Poulin. Nick Leadley photo

No fish were caught in the 11-15 age group, but the grand prize winner in the drawing for a Lifetime Maine Fishing License, Mason Poulin from Gray, came from that group.

Platinum sponsor was Oquossoc Marine. Gold sponsors were Blue Flame Gas and Boss Power Equipment. Silver sponsors were Rangeley Builder’s Supply, Morton and Furbish Real Estate, Oquossoc Grocery and Castonguay Docks. Bronze sponsors were Morton and Furbish Insurance, Rangeley Region Power Systems, Rangeley IGA, Franklin Savings Bank, S&K Quality Fuels, Height Chevrolet and River’s Edge Sport Shop.