PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Approximately 200 eager young anglers, together with their siblings, parents and grandparents, attended the “Hooked on Fishing, Not Drugs” Fishing Derby sponsored for the 16th consecutive year by the Presque Isle Elks, Lodge 1954.
The event was held June 4, 2016 at Mantle Lake.
Andrew Rossignol, an 8-year-old from Woodland, caught the longest fish, a 15-inch trout. He was accompanied by his grandmother, Carolyn Rossignol. The prize for the longest total length of fish for the five-fish limit went to Elana Barnes, who landed five trout measuring a total of 50 inches. Her grandfather, Arlington Wiggins, spent the morning fishing with her.
Elizabeth Boyd, the 7-year-old daughter of Patrick Boyd from Washburn, was the first derby contestant to land a fish. She was able to catch a total of four fish during the derby and chose the lifetime fishing license as her prize.
The competition for the youngest successful angler ended in an absolute dead heat. Katlyn and Madlyn Kinney, 4-year-old twins of Ryan and Christina Kinney of Fort Fairfield, each caught a fish.
In addition to a lifetime fishing license donated by the Presque Isle Fish and Game Club, four bicycles, donated by local businesses, were awarded to contest winners. Every young person who registered for the fishing derby won an outdoor activity prize of their choosing.
While at the fishing derby, contestants, along with their families, ate over 400 hot dogs and 15 gallons of ice cream, together with a variety of chips, soda and water.
Elks Exalted Ruler Marion Donahue deemed the derby a huge success by any measure. “Scores of young people were introduced to the lifetime sport of fishing, and many left with a brand new fishing rod and reel and every successful young angler also received a tackle box,” Donahue said.
“Practically every young person in attendance spent some real quality time with their parent or grandparent. Whether it was catching trout, enjoying a grilled hot dog and ice cream, winning a new bike or other outdoor toy, or just playing outside with their family, a truly fun time was had by all,” she added.
