The weather was absolutely perfect Saturday morning as more than 350 children participated in the Exchange Club of Richmond Hill’s 24th annual Fishing Derby.
Poles, bait and lunch were provided and Exchange Club President John Gough said the event, held each year at the Richmond Hill Fish Hatchery, was again a success.
That sentiment was shared by those who sought to show their fishing skills.
Hailey Nape, 10, said she’s no amateur angler.

“I have fished three or four times,” said Hailey, who’d already caught a bluegill while her younger sister had pulled in both a catfish and bluegill.
“We are going to turn them in and weigh them at the scorekeepers,” Hailey said. “Knowing how to fish is pretty cool. Sometimes you can bring them home to dinner and sometimes you can release them.”
Ricky Cole brought his grandchildren, Serenity and Jaden.
“My grandpa is a fisherman,” Serenity said. “He teaches me how to reel in the fish and how to cast.”
Prizes were awarded to Makaylyn Lanier for the largest fish in the 6-and-under group, and Alex Mohler snagged the prize for the most pounds. Stormi Bush swept the competition in her category, the 7-12 age group, for largest fish and most pounds.
For more information about the fishing derby sponsored by the Exchange Club visit http://www.rhxc.org/fishing.htm