By Jenine Clancy, Special Writer
The annual Monroe Fishing Derby saw close to 200 residents come to catch the biggest fish at Thompson Park on Aug. 12.
The free event was sponsored by the Monroe Township Recreation Department. The derby, which is targeted for community children, had all participating kids accompanied by an adult.
Jay Brown, township recreation department program supervisor, said prizes were awarded to the top three kids in each division. The six divisions included: preschool through 4 years old; kindergarden through second grade; third through sixth grades; seventh and eighth grades; and ninth through 12th grades.
Mr. Brown said participants had to provide their own pole, but hooks, bobbers and worms were supplied by the recreation department.
Mr. Brown also said all fish that were caught had to be thrown back into the lake. The grand prize, a brand new fishing pole went to Liam Fennell, who caught a 13-inch catfish. Catfish are the type of fish primarily found in the lake at Thompson Park.
The derby, which has been happening in town for close to 30 years, gives children a chance to catch the biggest fish. Each time a fish a caught, each kid is given a point. Mr. Brown said if a kid caught a little fish a judge would give them one point, if they caught a 13-inch catfish it would be 13 points.
"A lot of people look forward to it and it’s a fun event," Mr. Brown said. "It’s a time to bond with their parents or grandparents, just a lot of fun for all."
