PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — More than 110 youngsters got a chance to throw a line in the water to try to land the biggest fish at the annual Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs derby at Mantle Lake on Saturday.
What makes the Hooked on Fishing event so unique is all a parent has to do is show up with their child.
“The Elks provided everything needed for a great time of fishing, including a pole and worms,” said Elks Exalted Ruler Michael Lafrance. “The only thing a parent needed to bring was a young person excited to go fishing.”
Prizes were available to all participants and special prizes went to category winners.
Andre Daigle, age 10, son of Dr. Craig Daigle and Paula Daigle of Presque Isle, caught the first fish, shortly after 8 a.m.
Nick Doody, age 12, of Washburn, caught the biggest fish, 15 1/4 inches long, shortly before the end of the derby at noon. Until then, Vaughn McMann, 6, of Fort Fairfield had caught the biggest fish, 15 inches long, and his first fish ever.
The winner of the grand prize, a lifetime fishing license, was Colin Daigle of Presque Isle, 12 year-old son of Dr. Craig and Paula Daigle, whose five registered fish measured 62 3/4 inches in combined total length. Already owning a lifetime fishing license, the youngster donated the lifetime fishing license back to the Elks to be auctioned off for the benefit of the Maine Children’s Cancer Fund at a future Elks’ event.
Including parents, children and volunteers, more than 300 people attended the derby.
The Elks dished out 10 gallons of Houlton Farms Dairy ice cream and served over 200 hot dogs, as well as chips and drinks, to attendees.
The Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs program uses fishing to address: positive alternatives to drug use, motivation, communication, self-esteem building, responsibility, positive role models, the ability to overcome peer pressure, good problem-solving and decision making skills and improved family interaction.
