Staff Writer
LIMESTONE — Whether it was because of the rain showers, the skilled teamwork of the fishermen, or the fact that the fish were hungry — 23 fisherman reeled in almost 100 fish on June 5 during the annual Friends of the Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge Fishing Derby.
Aroostook Republican photo/Natalie Bazinet
Jeff and Isabella Smith, hold one of their fine catches of the day during the June 5 fishing derby at the Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge in Limestone. While little sister Heidi, 2, may have not done much fishing, seemed equally satisfied with her juice box.
On a portion of the refuge not normally accessible to the public, Delima Pond was stocked with trout for the fishermen to test their line on; not only did the participating families have a chance of catching dinner, they got to have fun doing it.
The drizzling rain didn’t seem to bother the fishermen and it kept the blackflies at bay, which meant that the four top winners stayed at the top of the food-chain for the most part.
Megan Thornton, 10, was the first-place winner, catching six fish that weighed a total of 2 pounds, 11 ounces.
John Sitar, 7 came in second; he caught six fish that weighted a total of 2 pounds, 7 ounces.
P.J. Thornton, 7, was the third-place winner, catching six fish that weighed 2 pounds, 6 ounces, and Emerson Duplissie-Cyr, 10, was a close fourth also catching six fish that weighed a total of 2 pounds, 5 ounces.
Participation for this year’s derby far exceeded last year’s number, which the Friends group agrees is beneficial for getting the word out about the outdoor recreation opportunities available at the refuge. From hiking to bird watching and skiing in the winter, the Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to get away from it all and reconnect with family, even if only for a short hike.
The Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge is located at 97 Refuge Road in Limestone. Additional information about the refuge can be obtained at http://www.fws.gov/northeast/aroostook/index.html or through the Friends group at http://www.friendsofaroostooknwr.org.
Aroostook Republican photo/Natalie Bazinet
Jeff and an excited Isabella Smith remove their trout from their line.
Aroostook Republican photo/Natalie Bazinet
Right, as Nathan Rand found out, fishing can be a very relaxing activity — especially when dad ‘helps.’ Nathan, second from right, attended the fishing derby with his father, Nick; his brother Brandon, far left and his mother Angela, second from left.
Aroostook Republican photo/Natalie Bazinet
Elijah Smith and P.J. Thornton engage in fisherman-type smalltalk during the fishing derby. Thornton ended up placing third with the six fish he caught.
Aroostook Republican photo/Natalie Bazinet
With more than a little help from Dad, 9 year-old Brandon Rand held up his prize catch for display.
Photo contributed by Joanne Worthen
While the weather may have dampened the fishermen during the Friends of the Aroostook Wildlife Refuge Fishing Derby on June 5, it certainly didn’t dampen their spirits. Derby winners included, from left, second-place winner John Sitar, third-place winner P.J. Thornton, first-place winner Megan Thornton and fourth-place winner Emerson Duplissie-Cyr.
Aroostook Republican photo/Natalie Bazinet
Steven and Cole Edgecomb cast their line into the waters of the Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge during the fishing derby on June 5.
Aroostook Republican photo/Natalie Bazinet
It was her birthday, and she didn’t have to hold her catch if she didn’t want to. Hannah Smith turned 12 on the day of the fishing derby, which she attended with her family. Holding Hannah’s fish was Robin Haynes, a member of the Friends of the Aroostook Wildlife Refuge.
