Annual Derby to Welcome Fishing Fanatics

A few hundred fishing enthusiasts are expected to descend upon this morning, where they will take part in the annual .

The event, which has been taking place for nearly 20 years, is sponsored by the North Walpole Fish and Game Club, features two divisions: one for adults (16 and older), and one for kids (15 and younger). The derby runs from 7 to 11 a.m.

"The kids just fish all morning long, and as they catch fish, they weigh them in," said Taryn Crocker, Business Manager for the Westwood Recreation Department, which organizes the event. "They keep track of how many fish they caught, and at 11 a.m., they are given prizes, which range from fishing poles to tackles boxes to lures, worms, bait - any type of stuff."

Anyone under 15 can participate for free, and those 16 and older pay a $10 fee to participate in the tournament, and whomever has caught the biggest fish by 11 a.m. will win from a number of prizes, all of which are supplied by North Walpole Fish and Game, Crocker said. 

"It's just a great family event, where people of all ages come out and fish away," Crocker said, adding that the majority of the fish that are caught are thrown back into the pond. "And we sell hot dogs, and have a concession stand with donuts, coffee, and drinks."

The event has welcomed from 300 to 400 people in the past, if the weather was nice, Crocker said. 

"On rainy days, you get more die-hard fishing people," she said, adding that she anticipates about 300 people to arrive this year.

Registration for the event is open, and anyone can head down to Buckmaster Pond this morning to take part. 

"We'll have kids that will come and then they'll go to a soccer game and they'll come back in their soccer stuff," Crocker said. "Come for the whole time, or an hour here or an hour there."

The only catch (no pun intended), is participants need to bring their own poles, and, if they wish, their own kayak or canoe (no motorized boats are allowed on Buckmaster Pond).