Results of 71st Annual Club Fishing Derby

On April 29, Andover Sportsmen’s Club (finally) held our 71st fishing derby at Sudden Pond in Harold Parker State Forest. Although the derby has been an institution since 1949, covid19 and mother nature have not been kind to us.

The derby is open to anyone aged 15 years or younger and we had 50 young anglers come during the course of the morning. I arranged to have Sudden Pond stocked with trout. They did not seem to be interested in worms, however, and more than a few catfish were caught. The trout seemed to prefer power bait and salmon eggs.  We’ll plan accordingly in 2024.

Trophies were awarded to those who caught the 3 largest fish, the smallest fish, and to the youngest angler.

An event like this is impossible without the help of many dedicated members (and prospective members). I’d like to thank Aubrey Pierce, Bill Dolan, Donna Tobin, Frank Bleszinski, Mike Pierce, Steve Cooper, Var Blaus, Bob Cochran and Virginia Colton.  The scouts from Troop 75 stayed overnight and lent a hand as well.

A big thank you goes out to Heavenly Donuts in North Reading, at the corner of Route 28 and Winter Street. Heavenly donated a bunch of donuts, coffee, and hot chocolate.