Moosehorn NWR's 2008 Fishing Derby, photographer Zach Dozier, FWS, June 14, 2008.

Two boys display their first trout ever caught, Moosehorn NWR Fishing Derby, June 14, 2008, Lea Brown photographer.

Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge and the Friends of Moosehorn's 11th Annual Children's Fishing Derby was a resounding success.  The derby was held at the refuge headquarters pond behind the main office of Cobscook Bay State Park.  Moosehorn NWR and the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife stocked hundreds of brook trout in the pond just prior to the event to make the derby more rewarding and exciting for the children.  Ninety-eight children aged 1-16 years participated in the event this year, accompanied by 186 adults and other family members and assisted by 20 volunteers and staff, resulting in a total of over 300 people present at the event.  The weather cooperated this year and provided a perfect sunny day with light winds to keep the blackflies at bay.

Many children caught the state limit of 5 brook trout during the 2-hour derby.  Everyone had a good time fishing or watching the kids fish, and even those kids who caught no fish said they had a good time.  Local businesses, the refuge Friends Group, and the Refuge donated prizes to be given out during the event and food to be served to derby participants and their guests.  Great prizes were given to the young anglers with the top four combined weights, plus several other random prizes were given so that even the youngest anglers had a chance to win a prize.  Hotdogs, drinks, chips, and cookies were prepared by the Friends Group and provided for all participants.  Every child who participated in the derby received a small starter kit with hooks, lead-free sinkers, and bobbers.  Free wildlife posters were made available as well.  The winners were all very excited to receive their prizes and everyone was grateful for the food, drinks, and other goodies provided at the event.  Many of the kids, parents, and volunteers said they are looking forward to next year’s derby!

Moosehorn's Children's Fishing Derby is an annual even sponsored jointly by Moosehorn NWR, the Friends of Moosehorn, Cobscook Bay State Park, Northeast Region of the USFWS, and local businesses and individuals.  The purpose of the event is to get kids outdoors, teach them about fishing, and give them a memorable and enjoyable experience on their National Wildlife Refuge.