Maryville holds Annual Fishing Derby
by Times Tribune Staff
MARYVILLE — Maryville’s 23rd Annual Fishing Derby was a huge success with 59 youngsters participating Saturday morning, Sept. 7 at Drost Park on a near perfect day.
According to a news release, Maryville Parks and Recreation Committee and Granite City Bassmasters sponsored and helped measure the fish caught. Youngsters ranged from 2 years to 15 years old. Parents, grandparents helped them at times baiting the hook with their worm, adjusting the height of the bobber and untangling the line, but the youngsters did the fishing.
Deborah Wheaton from the IDNR gave a fishing and safety presentation prior to the starting whistle. She stressed how to carefully cast and avoid the possibility of hooking themselves or others when casting. Maryville Community Library also participated and offered attendance prizes to be redeemed at the Library.
The largest fish was a 13” bass caught by 14-year-old Ben Cooper and he was rewarded with a $50 gift card. The most fish caught were caught by 2-year-old (almost 3) Chloe Lyons who also received a $50 gift card. Other $25 winners include Reagan Cross, Riley Willis, Wyatt Neer, Adam Kirk, Ben Durst, Charlie Raymond.
Midwest Members Credit Union provided hotdogs and snacks after the Derby. Numerous attendance prizes were awarded and all walked away with a smile and hopefully a new or renewed love of fishing.
