Young anglers take over Parkersburg parks for fishing derby
In preparation for the tournament approximately 1,000 pounds of trout — rainbow, brown and brook — were stocked in each place by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. The ponds were closed to public fishing from the time the trout were released Thursday until after the derby on Saturday afternoon.
One feature for many years –the golden trout — was a sought-after catch but for 2016 and this year, it was replaced with a tagged trout.
Matt Shivley, chairman of the judging at City Park, said the 300 children at City Park was a normal turnout for the tournament. Organizers said about 250 turned out for the event at Southwood Park.
Baylee Cain, of Davisville caught a fish early on Saturday. While it was her first derby, it was not her first time fishing.
“We go fishing all the time,” said her mother Kristin Cain. “She has caught them before but she’s getting tired here today.”
Jim Wright, of Parkersburg, had a lot of family at the derby. His grandson Cameron Wright caught a trout that was 4 3/8 inches, but he did not qualify for a trophy this year.
“Two years ago I got a trophy for third and my sister got one for first,” Cameron said.
Wright said the derby is a family affair. As of 11 a.m. he said Cameron was the only family member to record a catch.
“We’ve been here many times before,” he said.
Organizers said no one managed to catch the tagged trout at either park on Saturday.
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Parkersburg Fishing Derby Results
SOUTHWOOD PARK
* Grand Champion: Chanson Rake, age 5, 15 7/8 inch trout
* Largest Non-Trout: Halle Lucas, age 6, 5 1/4 inch sunfish
* Smallest Fish: Remi Walker, age 13, 2 1/8 inch bluegill
3-6 year olds
* First: Cameron Hurst, 15 7/8 inch, trout
* Second: Kaylee Wright, 15 3/4 inch trout
* Third: Caylee Pratt, 15 1/4 inch trout
7-10 year olds
* First: Robert Dillon, 15 1/2 inch trout
* Second: Kole Dillon, 15 1/8 inch trout
* Third: Janson Karcher, 15 inch trout
11-14 year olds
* First: Kyrah Pratt, 15 3/8 inch trout
* Second: Michael Hutson, 15 1/4 inch trout
* Third: Kyle Grant, 14 1/2 inch trout
CITY PARK
* Grand champion: Raelyn Phillips, age 7, 16 7/8 inch trout
* Largest non trout: Jonathan Muncy, age 12, 12 3/8 inch carp
* Smallest fish: McKayla McCoy, age 6, 3 inch sunfish
3-6 year olds
* First: Aiden Fought, 15 3/4 inch trout
* Second: Alexa Keich, 15 5/8 inch trout
* Third: Noah Succao, 14 1/2 inch trout
7-10 year olds
* First: Taylor Burge, 16 1/8 inch trout
* Second: Hunter Fornash, 15 1/4 inch trout
* Third: Landon Doak, 15/3/8 inch trout
11-14 year olds
* First: Carley Holbert, 15 1/2 inch trout
* Second: Alyssa Pickel, 15 3/8 inch trout
* Third: Lakin McLauglin, 15 inch trout