This popular event is one of the highlights of the season when the community gathers around the Mill pond to celebrate the arrival of spring.
Hosted by the Millbrook Lions Club in partnership with Trout Unlimited, last year the event drew more than 250 registrants. The goals of the event include encouraging outdoor activities for kids, teaching respect for the environment and the sport of fishing, and promoting public appreciation for the beautiful public greenspace around Needler’s Mill and dam.
The event is for participants up to age twelve and runs from 8 am to 1pm. The $5 registration fee includes a hotdog and juice box, worm bait, a Millie pin and the chance to pick up one of the participation prizes donated by local businesses.
A few days before the contest begins, the pond will be stocked with 280 Brook Trout, allowing the fish time to acclimatize to their new surroundings and find some local companions who have arrived by more natural processes. Among them will be Millie, the elusive star that has evaded anglers during many competitions. Along with ten large companions, Millie will be tagged. Trout Unlimited is asking the public to offer names for these fish: watch their social media page to log your suggestions.
Any angler who snags one of the tagged fish will earn a prize, with other prizes awarded to anglers who display good fishing practices. This year any registrant in the event who catches a tagged fish up until 5 pm on Friday, May 1st will still qualify for the prize for the fish they caught. Registered participants have until 5pm on Friday, May 4th to contact Trout Unlimited (Millbrook Chapter) with evidence of their catch to collect their prize. They can be reached via email at troutunlimitedmillbrook@gmail.com.
Last year, Millie made an early appearance. By 8:30 am, she was caught by a young angler named Landon. Three more tagged fish were reeled in: Mr. Fishy, Michi and Bob. All of them were grateful for the quick catch and release philosophy of the tournament which meant they were returned to the water to make a quick dash for safety.
Those who are interested in doing a bit of fishing homework prior to the event are encouraged to visit www.ontario.ca/page/learn-fish-digital. Learn about different kinds of rods, reels and bait, how to cast, how to identify different types of local fish – the good, the bad and the ugly-and test your knowledge in an interactive fishing quiz.
The Millbrook Lions Club Food Trailer will be on hand to keep energy levels up serving breakfast and lunch items throughout the event. Bring your appetites and stay for the fun.
Anglers at this event are strategic in their site selection. Keen competitors find a secluded spot where their bait will not have excess competition and they can focus on executing the perfect cast. The less competitive anglers will see the event as an opportunity to hang with their friends .Whatever their motive, participants and spectators will find it a wonderful opportunity to come together to spend a (mostly) peaceful spring morning at one of our community landmarks.