Photo Karen Graham.
After a five-year hiatus, the much loved annual Fishing Derby returns to the Millpond next month. The event has been organized by the Millbrook and District Lions’ Club for more than 20 years, and runs from 8 am to 1pm for participants up to age 12. A few days before the contest begins, the pond will be stocked with hundreds of Brook Trout, allowing them time to acclimatize to their new surroundings and find some local companions who have arrived by more natural processes.
This year, the Lions’ Club has partnered with the Millbrook chapter of Trout Unlimited to help manage the event. The Lions will continue to organize the event while Trout Unlimited representatives are organizing the fish supply and providing educational support which will now be the focus of the event.
The cost of stocking the pond for this event has tripled since it was last held. The Lions’ club has received $500 contributions to offset this increase from Trout Unlimited and Nexicom, to allow the event to proceed.
More than 100 young anglers have swarmed the area in previous tournaments. Contestants chose their fishing spot strategically, those with a social orientation huddling in groups along the water’s edge and more focussed competitors finding a peaceful, secluded spot where they could focus their efforts on the perfect cast.
Those new to the tournament may be unfamiliar with the main attraction: Millie. She is the elusive star who has eluded the efforts of anglers for many years. She was last spotted in 2016 when eleven-year old Janelle Jacobs reeled her in. The quick catch and release philosophy of the tournament ensured the four pound specimen lived to see another day.
To help contestants visualize their ultimate target, the Lions’ Club engaged local artist Bill Slavin to create an image of this noble creature. The hooks dangling from her extremities demonstrate that she is an experienced warrior.
With all construction barriers for the dam project gone and health restrictions lifted, organizers expect a great turnout as residents new and old get a taste of the kind of family fun events that have been the cornerstone of our community.
The Lions are fundraising with a Chicken Souvlaki dinner with all the fixings. Ten dollars of the $20 dinner cost supports the fishing derby. Place your order by March 17 for pick up the following day by email at skhcatering@sympatico.ca or by calling 705-768-9697. KG
