Frank Lewis
PDT Staff Writer
If there is such a thing as a picture perfect day, it must have been Saturday, when families gathered to pursue the wily old trout at Turkey Creek Lake during the 48th annual Jaycees Trout Derby. One entire section was set aside for kids 12 and under and dads and moms taught the little ones the fine art of hooking bait, casting and that much-needed patience while they wait for a bite.
“Fishing started at 6 a.m. and if someone wants to register their fish, they have to be registered by 2:30 p.m., and the awards ceremony will be held at 3 p.m.,” Charles Hammond, Chairman of the Jaycees Trout Derby, said. “We have three age groups - teen, adult, and senior. Whoever has the longest fish in each age group will win prize packages, and also we have an overall winner, so whoever has the longest fish overall, will win the grand prize and this year that happens to be a grill and other things in a prize package, as well as a plaque.”
Hammond said, during the 2:30 time frame when fish were being registered, Todd Martin’s Mothman would be performing, just prior to the awards ceremony and then again after the ceremony.
“I would say this year we had approximately 60-70 boats, and probably another 50-60 people, all anglers, around the lake,” Hammond said.
Around the bend, Shawnee State Park naturalist Jenny Richards and Houston Woods State Park naturalist Chad Smith prepared to display birds for the kids.
“We are fishing with kids, and educating them about birds of prey, and the Nature Center is going to be open later,” Richards said. “We’ve got an aquarium setup, showing kids the different fish. They’re practicing casting. Woodsy Owl is going to make a special appearance, just all kinds of fun stuff.”
Frank Lewis may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 252, or at flewis@civitasmedia.com. For breaking news, follow Frank on Twitter @FrankLewisPDT.
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