IMAGE GALLERY: Spring Festival Lures Many to Sandra Pond for Fishing Challenge

As part of the Westborough Spring Festival, the 5th Annual Fishing Challenge took place Saturday, April 30, on . The Westborough Civic Club headed the event which lured local fishermen out of their winter hiding and onto the water.

On hand were angler education volunteers from the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. They helped with casting techniques and basic fishing instruction. In addition, they educated participants about local fish, safety, ethics and proper fishing equipment.  

Participants in the challenge fished for whatever would bite! Because Sandra Pond is not entirely a public waterbody - fishing for residents only - it is not state stocked. Other than trout, Sandra Pond has largemouth and smallmouth bass, as well as other smaller panfish like bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. 

The competition began at 9 a.m. and was divided into three divisions: ages 10 and under, ages 11 to 17, and 18 and older. It was not long before the shores of Sandra Pond were filled with eager and excited fishermen of all ages. Tackle boxes and rods littered the grass.

According to Jim Lagacy of the Fish and Wildlife angler education program, “I think it’s important to gain that interest in the outdoors, to know how things work in nature, to not be afraid of the outdoors. Also getting away from all the technology we’re surrounded by is a good thing. Kids, especially, need a break from it, and fishing is an easy, inexpensive way to do that. “ 

At the end of the day, the “catching” is not always the most important thing. Instead, it is the “getting away from it all” aspect that draws people to fishing ... the relaxation found along a river, pond or lake in a boat, canoe or kayak that keeps fishermen coming back for more. 

For spectators today at Sandra Pond, the joy of fishing was contagious. This spectator was left wondering if the thrill of fishing lies as much in the atmosphere as in the catch.