Summary of the Kent Island Fishermen, MSSA Chapter #7: MARYLAND FISHING CHALLENGE- Youth Component

Type: Chesapeake
Region: Eastern
Location: Romancoke Fishing Pier, Kent Island

The Kent Island Fishermen, MSSA Chapter #7 hosted their 5th annual Kids Fishing Derby on Saturday, August 14, at Romancoke Fishing Pier. MSSA club members Mike Mitchell and David Grapes co-chaired this great event. The weather was awesome, the tide was just right, and the fish were biting! Kids were catching plenty of spot, perch, gar up to 18 inches, and even a few stripers and one bluefish was caught. The most unusual catch of the day was an anchovy. Many volunteers were on hand to assist the 75+ young anglers (ages 3 to 15) get their catch measured in hopes to win one of the selected prizes. Prizes were awarded for the smallest, largest, most, and most unusual fish in age group (3-5, 6-10 and 11-15). All winners received a trophy and a gift. Kids and their parents were also treated to a lunch. During lunch, Natural Resources Police Reserve Officers were on hand to give a talk and brief demonstration on boat safety.

I was there to represent DNR-Fisheries in support of our partnering with MSSA for the Youth Component of the Maryland Fishing Challenge featuring Diamond Jim. Eryk Vincent, age 9, was the lucky angler selected to move on to the finale which will be held in conjunction with the Maryland Seafood Festival on September 11 at Sandy Point Park.