MILFORD, PA ― The Pike County Commissioners held their 25th annual fishing derby at Lily Pond on April 15. Over 200 young people participated.

The first-place winners among each age group won a new fishing pole, courtesy of Luhrs’ True Value; a tackle box; and a fishing net, provided by Pike County Outfitters. The second-place winners received a fishing pole and tackle box. Third place and other winners received a fishing pole.  

The overall largest trout registered was 20 inches in length, and was caught by 15-year-old Gage Salazar. For this catch, Gage also won an IHOME charging btation/Bluetooth speaker and a throw blanket, donated by Blue Ridge Communications.

Every registered participant went home with a prize, such as fishing bait, bobbers, hooks, lures or a scale to weigh fish.

The following is the list of prize winners by age group for the largest catch, with the size of the fish caught.

In the Age Five and Under category: Logan Campbell— 16 inches, Jason Montana—15.5 inches, Levi Lig—15 inches, Korbin Zuccarelli—14 inches, Arthur Keller—12 inches and Cassidy Fisher—8.5 inches.

In the Age Six and Seven category: Mia Lig—15 inches, Matthew Marshall—15 inches, Michael Zuccarelli—15 inches and Johnny Montana—13 inches.

In the Age Eight and Nine category: Wyatt Love—16 inches, Kennedy Stead—15 inches and Chase Scully—11 inches.

In the Age 10 and 11 category: Blake Mady—19 inches, Keaton Stygar—15 inches, Joe Korycki—13 inches and Landry Abbott—12.5 inches.

In the Age 12 and 13 category: Miles Johnson—16 inches.

In the Age 14 and 15 category: Gage Salazar—20 inches.

The commissioners would like to thank the many sponsors and volunteers who helped make this year’s derby a success. The commissioners also extend a special thank-you to Northwell Health for its generous donation of $5,000, which covered the costs associated with stocking the pond, and to the Pike County Maintenance staff for setting up the event.

The complete list of sponsors includes Blooming Grove Hunt & Fish Club, Blue Ridge Communications, Friends of Warrior Football, Hagemann's Tackle & Variety, the Lemon Family, LJ Bogumil, Inc., Luhrs' True Value Hardware, Matamoras Rod & Gun Club, the McGrath Family, Northwell Health, Pike County Light & Power, Pike County Outfitters, volunteers Randy Fuller and James Leiser, Pike County Maintenance staff and the Pike County Sheriff's Office.