Thursday, March 28, 2024

Hooked on Kids Fishing Derby lands another large turnout

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BRIDGEPORT – Hooked on Kids, the popular annual fishing derby for youngsters up to 14 years old hosted by the City of Bridgeport drew both good weather and a large turnout last Saturday, June 8, at the Marina Cove.

Kids began wetting their hooks at 8 a.m. sharp in pursuit of some of the 400 trout, 25 of those wearing special prize tags, donated by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. The narrow entrance to Marina Cove off the Columbia River was blocked by a net to prevent fish escapement and anglers fished from the bank or a floating dock.

Several volunteers were on hand to make sure everyone got hooks baited properly and could land and unhook their catches. Volunteers included Bob Fischer, Dan Peterson, Martin Landin, Cipriana Morales, Liz Jenkins, Anthony and Amanda Jenkins, Ed Conklin and, representing North 40 Outfitters, Matt Featherly.
Alyeda Ceferino won a $50 gift certificate for catching the largest trout. Alex Saucedo also won a $50 certificate for hauling in the most tagged fish.

Isaac Saucedo and Misael Lorenzano each won a bike.

Chloe West, Minam Gomez and Jacoby Saucedo won $25 certificates.

“No one went home empty-handed,” Bridgeport Mayor Janet Conklin said.

Other prizes included fishing rods, tackle boxes, footballs, squirt guns, soccer balls, life jackets, Seahawk hat and more. Donations came from North 40, Coulee Dam Federal Credit Union, Anthony and Amanda Jenkins and Ed and Janet Conklin.

“Between the Saturday Hooked on Kids Fishing Derby and the rest of Saturday and Sunday there have been 311 fish caught and still counting,” Conklin said.

The net will remain in place for an additional week so more of the stocked trout can be caught, Conklin said.

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