8th Annual "Hooked On Fishing"
Persistent rain showers dampened everything but anglers' spirits as hundreds turned out for the 2010 "Hooked On Fishing" Derby at Lake Wilderness on April 24, sponsored by the Greater Maple Valley-Black Diamond Chamber of Commerce.
Scores of tents covered the park grounds and beach fires burned brightly as the area’s largest fish fest defied inclement weather by attracting anglers of all ages to try their luck on opening day of lake fishing season. As daylight dodged its way through the fast-moving rain clouds, the fish began to bite.
Dylan Sandusky caught the biggest fish out of the lake, weighing in at 40.1 ounces and measuring 19 inches. Second place was a 36.2 ounce, 18 ¼ -inch trout caught by Phil Klopfestein, and third was Hunter Wendling with a 35.6 ounce, 18 ½ -inch catch. The biggest fish from the fish pen was caught by 3 year old Sarah Stouffer of Black Diamond. Sarah’s fish weighed in at 51.4 ounces and measured 21 inches.
“It was huge!” said Derby director Sue VanRuff. “Anyone who got a chance to see Sarah and her fish knows why this derby is here and why it is successful. This is a community event that makes you feel good whether you catch your limit or even if you don’t get a bite.”
Maple Valley Rotary kept campers well fed by serving hamburgers and hot dogs Friday evening followed by their world famous Fisherman’s Breakfast beginning at midnight.
Now in its eighth year, the fishing derby proved that its popularity is solid enough to defy weather and economic hard times by providing its usual assortment of affordable fun. Planning is already under way for April 29 and 30 next year.
Mr. Wigglesworth, the Tagged Fish, eluded anglers.
Added on 05/01/2010
Filed Under
Chamber Events in Review,
Fishing Derby by Chamber blog
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