Raylee Townsend, 7, fishes from the rocky beach along the side of Southwood Park Pond. (Photo by Madeline Scarborough)

PARKERSBURG — While no golden trouts were caught at either park, fun was still had by youth at the 41st annual Parkersburg Fishing Derby.

Crowds gathered as early as 8 a.m. at both City Park and Southwood Park ponds to fish and compete for prizes.

According to derby organizer and director of the sponsoring Wood County Recreation Commission Andy Hartleben, the ponds were stocked with fresh trout Friday.

Kids from 3-14 years old lined up along the shores and cast their line into the ponds, hoping to win at least one of the trophies or donated goodies.

Prizes were awarded for the top three places based on the size of the trout, Hartleben said. Awards will be presented for the largest non-trout, too.

James Rake, 4, brings his first trout up to be measured. (Photo by Madeline Scarborough)

This year’s derby was in honor of the late Matt Shively, who was an avid supporter of the derby, Holiday in the Park and youth sports.

Shively passed away in 2021 from cancer.

“I am thankful to the Rec Committee and the City for remembering and honoring my dad today, said Dave Shively. “He loved this event so much.”

Dave Shively was one of 20 family members who made it out to the event.

While the Shivelys’ we at City Park, over at Southwood Park a different derby legacy could be witnessed.

Hazel McCoy, 4, brings her fish up to get measured at City Park. McCoy was the day’s grand champion. (Photo by Madeline Scarborough)

The fishing derby itself was created 41 years ago by Al Smith, who was the mayor of Parkersburg. While Smith is no longer around to host, his family has continued his legacy. Running operations at Southwood Park was his daughter Sheri Cox, his granddaughter Shannon Johnson and two of his great grandchildren.

His great-grandchildren got to help by measuring fish brought in.

“This is my third fish today,” said Ella-Anne Wilson, 6.

Her fish measured in at 16 and 1/2 inches.

The days largest fish was 26 inches and the largest trout was 16 and 3/4 inches.

David Wilson helps his son Maverik Wilson, 10, get a fish off the line. (Photo by Madeline Scarborough)

Madeline Scarborough can be reached at mscarborough@newsandsentinel.com

***

Winners – Southwood Winners

Grand Champion

* Ruby Sams 16 3/4 (12)

Amelia Blair, 6, was given a gift card by Parkersburg Mayor Tom Joyce for catching the first fish of the day, which her father John Blair is photographed holding. (Photo by Madeline Scarborough)

Largest Non Trout

* Ethan Barnes 26 (6)

3-6

1. Ella- Anne Wilson 16 1/2 (6) photo

2. Jonah Walters 16 1/2 (5)

Ethan Barnes, 6, brings up his carp to be measured. The Carp was over 26 inches long. (Photo by Madeline Scarborough)

3. Wiley Fox 15 1/2 (6)

7-10

1. Gianna Fittro 16 (9)

2. Gabriela Squires 16 (7)

3. Cole Cottrell 15 1/4 (9)

11-14

1. Cherish Rake 16 5/8 (11)

2. Wyatt Sadler 16 1/2 (12)

3. Adison Rake 16 (11)

***

Winners – City Park

Grand Champion

* Hazel McCoy, 4 with a 15 and 5/8 inch trout

Largest Non Trout

* Brody Dillon, 5

3-6

1. Holden Wyman

2. Ryan Blackstone

3. Jackson McCloy

7-10

1. Maverick Wilson

2. Carter Vest

3. Raelynn Brownfield