Young anglers reeled in a whopper of a catch on Feb. 28 — a morning of fun in beautiful weather during the children’s fishing derby in Caruth Park.
The City of University Park stocked the pond with over 400 pounds of rainbow trout in preparation for the event. On fishing derby morning, hundreds gathered to enjoy some family time, munch on hot dogs — or use them as bait — and put their fishing skills to the test.
Prizes were given at the top of each hour between 9 a.m. and noon for the largest and smallest catches. The winners received trophies or medals before posing for photos with University Park Mayor Tommy Stewart, who is an avid bass fisherman himself.
Eight-year-old Henry Phelps won the award for largest fish at 10 a.m. with his 11-inch catch. Phelps had been patient. He’d fished for about 30 minutes before snagging his winning fish, then had slowly reeled in his prize.
Brayden Passes, who was awarded runner-up for smallest fish at 10 a.m., relied on “regular worms” to lure his tiny catch. The 6-year-old was surprised by his win.
“I actually thought I just caught a plant,” he said. “But I caught a fish!”
Jacob Houlik, who is 7 years old, used more unconventional bait — hot dogs and tortillas — to catch the 11 a.m. runner-up for smallest fish. The fishing derby has become more popular each year, his mom, Jennifer, remarked.
“The kids love it. They have so much fun,” she said. “They love fishing in general.”
Eight-year-old Luke Arvesen snagged the 11 a.m. prize for smallest fish. His goldfish-sized winner measured just under an inch-and-a-half. One day, Arvesen said, he hopes to be on a bass fishing team.
Volunteers from University Park’s youth advisory commission and anglers from Highland Park High School’s bass fishing team, who unhooked and measured the fish, helped make the event possible.
Junior fishermen can look forward to some even bigger catches at the next fishing derby. University Park plans to stock the Caruth Park pond with catfish for its upcoming tourney on Saturday, June 6.
“We love just getting everyone in the community together. We love the community feel,” recreation manager Kaylon Jackson said. “Just having everyone out, just having a good time enjoying the parks, enjoying this good weather.”
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