Youngest angler snags largest fish at Kids and Cops derby

The youngest and shortest angler caught the largest fish at Saturday’s Kids and Cops fishing derby at the Bloomfield Millpond.

The trophy went to Knox Stevens, 16mos, who caught an eight-inch catfish with some help from his dad, Eddie. Ethan Stasko won the trophy for catching the most fish, at two – a catfish and a sunfish. There were a number of frogs on lines. The biggest was caught by Mia Gilbert, while the smallest was reeled in by Brooklyn Insley. Receiving trophies for strangest  catches were Ella Kraener for her 18-inch snapping turtle; Savanna Lyons for her pond “weed chia” tennis ball and Gabby Kinnear for a log. Gilbert Very is also receiving a trophy honouring his good humour after getting a body soaker unhooking his line from snagging a log.

Beside trophies, the Bloomfield and Hallowell Recreation Committee presented the 70 participants with swag bags including a T-Shirt, participant medallion and McDonalds gift certificate.

Those who needed fishing poles and worms received them, thanks to donations from the rec committee, Home Hardware,  Kids and Cops, Jamie Forrester, and County Camo.

Two girls playing on the park’s swings were noticed watching the anglers. Thanks to OPP Community Services Officer Anthony Mann, the two were quickly registered and new rods and reels were in hand to test their skill on the millpond. Officers Cody Kell and Darren Vandervelde were also on hand to help the young anglers with baiting, casting, reeling and logging in results.

A young boy requested a rod and reel for his brother, then came back to the registration table, asking for the gear for his dad.

“This is a family event and they’re out there now all fishing together and that is what this is all about,” said Bloomfield councillor Barry Turpin, one of the event organizers. “It’s been an amazing day weather-wise, too. We’ve had some pretty chilly weather here some years.”