Photo Gallery: Weekend Contest Quite A Catch

The smell of sunscreen was in the air at the 22nd Annual Fishing Contest held at Silver Creek Saturday. The contest began at 10 a.m. sharp when all soles cast their rods into the pond.

The fishing gear on display ranged from serious angler equipment, to Barbie Spincast Rod and Reel sets. Contestants started bringing their catches up to be measured almost immediately.

Kaitlyn Kauker, age 5, proudly posed for a photo with the 17-inch rainbow trout she reeled-in. This was her third year participating in the contest. At age 3, her grandfather helped her bring in an 18-inch catch. Her 8-year-old brother, Michael, caught a 16-inch trout that gave him a run for his money.

Seven-year-old Ryan Minneker had the right idea. He relaxed in a chair with a beverage and snack by his side, sunglasses on, and waited for his catch to come to him. Which it promptly did.

It was a beautiful sunny day and many families settled in to see who could catch the biggest, or the most fish, by 12 noon. Prizes were given in four age groups, ranging from 5 to 13.

Dawn DaPuzzo, Recreation Director for the Township of Mahwah stocks the pond every year with Sunnies, Rainbow Trout, and Striped Bass.

She said, "The kids have such a great time. It's a fun day for the whole family."