They say if you teach a man to fish, he’ll eat for life. If the same holds true for children, more than 300 youngsters from Bryan County should never have to worry about going hungry.
According to Lynn Bennett with the Exchange Club of Richmond Hill, the club’s 22nd annual Kids Fishing Derby saw around 325 children, along with their parents and grandparents, cast lines Saturday into the stocked ponds at the Richmond Hill Fish Hatchery.
Bennett said Bryan County might be on the coast, but many kids in the area have never had the opportunity to go fishing, which is why the Exchange Club started the derby in 1991.
It gives children the opportunity to learn how to fish, and it is a great way for families to spend time together, to learn about nature and activities they can do outdoors, Bennett said.
Robert and Elisabeth Ward brought their kids and two of their friends to the event. They were planning to have a fish fry with Saturday’s catch to share with friends and neighbors.
The fishing derby was free, along with the fishing poles, bait and refreshments. The event had two age groups: 6 and under, and 7 and over. Trophies were awarded for largest single fish, most total pounds and first fish caught.
Abigail Valenzuela received a trophy for catching the first fish. Shelby Packut won most total pounds and heaviest fish in the 6-and-under category. Seth Kelly won heaviest fish in the 7-and-over category. Quenton Lavant won most total pounds in the 7-and-over category.
See more in the June 6 edition of the News.