Richmond Hill Exchange Club’s 26th annual youth fishing derby on Saturday at the DNR fish hatchery drew some 500 people, including more than 250 children.

Mason Pacut captured first place in the 6 and under age group for both total weight (8.01 pounds) and heaviest fish (1.41 pounds). Jadon Jones won for total weight (7.63 pounds) in the 7-12 age group and Christian Buonopane won for heaviest fish (2.42 pounds) in the 7-12 age group. The winners received trophies and a family outing to the “Bill Dance Fishing Experience” at WaterWays Township.

The Savannah Coca Cola Bottling Company provided drinks for the participants and DNR staff cooked hot dogs. The Exchange Club provided door prizes of rod and reel sets and tackle boxes.

More than 5,000 children have participated in the event since its inception in 1991 and the Exchange Club has set June 3, 2017, as the date for next year’s event. Registration is free and the derby is open to children 15 and under accompanied by a parent or guardian. See www.rhxc.org for more information.