Shakespeare Optimist Club reels in another successful fishing derby

Young anglers spread out around the McTavish family pond north of Shakespeare during the Shakespeare Optimist Club's annual fishing derby last Saturday, hoping to reel in the day's biggest catch. Gary West photo

By Gary West

Sunny skies and plenty of eager young anglers made for another successful Shakespeare Optimist Club Fishing Derby at the McTavish family pond in North Easthope Township last Saturday.

Children from across the area, many accompanied by their parents, lined the edge of the picturesque pond with fishing rods and tackle boxes in hand, hoping to land the biggest fish of the day.

The annual event was once again hosted at the McTavish family farm on the Fourth Concession of North Easthope Township, where longtime Optimist member Murray McTavish has welcomed the derby for many years.

McTavish keeps the pond and surrounding property in excellent condition, providing an ideal setting for one of the club's most popular family events.

Throughout the morning, dozens of fish were caught and measured by Optimist member Mike McNeil before the winner was determined shortly after 1 p.m.

The largest fish of the day measured 11.1 inches and was caught by 10-year-old Paisley Wilhelm.

Paisley's mother, Jess, joked she deserved a little of the credit after helping her daughter bait the hook that landed the winning catch.

The annual fishing derby continues to be a favourite event for the Shakespeare Optimist Club, giving young people an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while introducing them to the sport of fishing in a fun, family-friendly environment.