Photo from 2022, courtesy of Greene Co Conservation

The Greene County Conservation Free Kids Fishing Derby made its first appearance in a couple of years.

The event took place this past Sunday at Spring Lake Park. Conservation Director Tanner Scheuermann says there were 75 kids that participated and each received a free fishing pole. He points out the derby was conducted differently this year where each fish a participant caught gained them a ticket to be entered into the drawing for many grand prizes. Parents or guardians then had to take a picture of each fish for verification before a ticket was entered into the drawing.

Scheuermann says in total about 100-125 fish were caught and the types of fish included bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass, channel catfish, perch, a northern water snake and a softshell turtle. The grand prizes for each age division included: a Camping Prize Pack with a tent, sleeping bag, camping pillow, and camping chair; a Catfish Prize pack with a bucket with aerator, tackle box with tackle, fish basket and catfish bait; the Hiking and Snack Prize Pack included a backpack with a water bladder, hammock and gift certificates to local restaurants. Additionally, they gave away three individual nights of camping and other gift certificates.

Scheuermann was pleased with the turnout, especially after not having the event for the past couple of years due to the pandemic. He also heard from several people that they liked the new format for prizes and giveaways.