The fish were jumping Saturday at J.F. Gregory Park — right onto the hooks of more than 100 Richmond Hill kids during the city’s annual fishing derby.
Held in conjunction with the Fort McAllister Sport Fishing Club for the past 13 years, the free event is part of the city’s celebration of Georgia Cities Week that offered children, parents and grandparents the chance to cast a line in hopes of reeling a catfish.
Mariah Cuza and her father, Chris, were among the many anglers.
“My dad had (the catfish) on his pole and I was rolling it up fast, and it was pretty cool. I do fish a lot with my dad,” Mariah said.
The father-daughter outing was especially important to Cuza.
“I look forward to these times, this right here,” he said. “I remember looking forward to fishing trips with my granddad, and I try to re-live it with her.”
According to club president Rhonda Gordon, the Fort McAllister Sport Fishing Club provided bait for fishing, as well as hot dogs and chips for lunch for 117 kids. Coca Cola donated the drinks and the city of Richmond Hill sponsored awards in three different age categories, as well as the largest fish event, and the top-5 fish event. After the weigh in, the children were given a medal for participation donated by the club.
The Fishing Derby awards are as follows:
Ages 1-6 Biggest Fish:
• 1st Place, Dylan Jonas
• 2nd Place, Ivan Stamper
• 3rd Place, Corbin Jonas
Ages 1-6 Total Weight:
• 1st Place, Dylan Jonas
Ages 7-12 Biggest Fish:
• 1st Place, Chase Warren
• 2nd Place, Miechelle Johnson
• 3rd Place, Jacob Walden
Ages 7-12 Total Weight:
• 1st Place, Miechelle Johnson
Ages 13-16 Biggest Fish:
• 1st Place, Cordel Robinson
• 2nd Place, Isaac Cox
• 3rd Place, Tyler Coalwell
Ages 13-16 Total Weight:
• 1st Place, Leslee Underwood