Bill Burton Annual Fishing Derby

Type: Chesapeake
Region: Eastern
Location: Bill Burton Fishing Pier on the north side of the Choptank River

Parents and children arrived at the newly dedicated Bill Burton Fishing Pier on the north side of the Choptank River on Saturday morning, October 2nd for a fun fishing derby. The weather was beautiful and the young fishermen were eager to dunk bloodworm baits off the pier. It did not take long for a mix of spot, white perch and rockfish to start coming over the railing and volunteers were busy ferrying out more bait to the busy anglers. Volunteers from local chapters of the MSSA and CCA helped to issue prize drawing tickets for catch and release fish, untangling rigs and taking care of bait needs.

It was soon time for the prize drawings and our young fishermen moved in close to check out all the wonderful prizes that were donated by tackle shops and organizations. Fisheries Director Tom O�Connell bestowed Maryland Fishing Challenge medallions upon each contestant and Louis Burton gave a rousing talk about her late husband Bill�s love of youth anglers and how special this event was to her family. Kathryn Craine of Woodbine won a basket filled with fishing tackle and books from Bill�s collection; her sister Kaylin not to be outdone was drawn as this year�s first youth winner for the Maryland Fishing Challenge. Youth Fishing Challenge winners will be selected at children�s fishing events from now until next September and all those selected will learn what type of fishing trip they have won at next year�s Fishing Challenge Award Ceremonies. Nine year old Kane Hines of Columbia won a charter boat fishing trip for 6 people that was graciously donated by Captain George Prenant. Kane�s father and family were very excited of the prospect of going on their first fishing trip on the Chesapeake Bay.