The 42nd annual Martha’s Vineyard Rod and Gun Club Kids Trout Derby kicked off at first light Saturday morning at Duarte’s Pond off Lambert’s Cove Road in West Tisbury. The damp and gloomy morning did not affect the fishing or the high sprits of the more than 100 kids who turned out to fish.
The Rod and Gun Club provided plenty of trout, hot dogs, doughnuts, hot chocolate, prizes, and fun. The free fishing contest, paid for by the club with the assistance of generous contributors, has introduced generations of Islanders to the fun of a tug on the end of a fishing line.
Although the official start time for the event was first light, or about 5:30 AM, many young fishermen, along with their families, arrived much earlier to grab a preferred spot. At approximately 8:30 am, the horn sounded ending the competition, at which point longtime tournament chairman Cooper Gilkes and members of the club distributed prizes in five different categories.
“It’s a fine turnout,” Coop said. “These children are involved in many activities these days and they still love to fish. Besides, where else do they get to have hotdogs for breakfast?”
The general consensus among trout derby participants: no matter how many fish were caught, it was a lot of fun and we will be back.
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