After an absence of two years, the Sackville Rod & Gun Club will once again be holding a fish derby on June 5 for those youngsters five to 15 years of age. The private fishpond where the event will take place has been stocked with over two hundred trout, most measuring eight to nine inches in length along with a number of larger ones. Due to safety concerns and other considerations, the event is limited to the first 60 youngsters that pre-register by calling Deanna at 536-0627. There is a small entry fee.
On the day of the derby, registration will take place from 9-10 a.m., with the fishing scheduled to take place from 10 a.m. to noon. Time will then be taken to measure all anglers catches, then first, second and third prizes will be awarded for the longest string of fish and the largest fish. The event will also feature a draw for a large number of other prizes that will also be given out. The catch limit is five fish per participant. Those ages five to 12 must be accompanied by a parent, yet, as in the past, almost all will make it a family event, with hotdogs, hamburgers and soft drinks served at noon.
For or those who have not previously attended, the location of the event is 241 Lower Rockport Road. As for directions, go towards Rockport, then through the steel bridge, around the turn to the left, up the hill and it's on the right near the top of the hill. If the weather does not cooperate, the event will be held the following day on Sunday, June 6.
This is part of an ongoing effort by the club to interest more youngsters in the sport of fishing, with the hopes that once they get fully involved in the sport they will become more aware and involved in matters pertaining to wildlife and the environment. Last year the club invited regional fish biologist Bernard Dubee to a club meeting where the fishing prospects in Silver Lake received much attention. This resulted in the lake being stocked in late September of last year with 1,200 trout. Right now those trout are in Silver Lake and in the outlet stream, with reports of many an angler going home with some of those trout.
