On Monday, Nov. 1, Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department and Vermont Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation announced the winners of the 2015 Reel Fun Vermont photo contest, a component of the recently-created Reel Fun Vermont fishing program aimed at making fishing in Vermont State Parks more accessible to park visitors.
“We received dozens of great photo entries from anglers across the state who went fishing in a Vermont state park this summer,” said Michael Snyder, commissioner of Vermont Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation. “From first-time anglers and family fishing adventures, to avid anglers looking to land the fish of a lifetime, we saw it all. We’re thrilled about partnering with Fish and Wildlife on this new program, which we think will help to promote fishing in state parks for years to come.”
“All the photos sent in show the great fishing we’re fortunate to have in many of our state parks, and how enjoyable the sport is for people of all ages,” added Louis Porter, commissioner of Vermont Fish & Wildlife. “We’re excited to announce the three winning photos, which are perfect depictions of Reel Fun in Vermont.”
The three photo contest winners are as follows:
- 1st place: Calvin Trudo with a bluegill he caught at Lake Bomoseen State Park.
- 2nd place: Peter and Lucie Armata with a largemouth bass and yellow perch caught at Sandbar State Park.
- 3rd place: Marielle Welch with a largemouth bass she caught at Lake Bomoseen State Park.
As first place winner, Trudo will receive two starter fishing kits as well as a weekend of free camping in a Vermont state park. Second place winners Peter and Lucie Armata will receive one starter fishing kit and a 2016 season vehicle pass for Vermont state parks. Welch, the third place winner, will also receive a starter fishing kit, as well as a punch card good for 10 visits to any Vermont state park.
“Fishing is one of the many things we enjoy doing as a family in the Vermont state parks,” said Tara Trudo, mother of contest winner Calvin Trudo. “It’s a great way to disconnect from the rest of the world and connect as a family. We also like fishing in Vermont because you never know what you might catch. We like seeing all the different species of fish and figuring out which species live in which lakes.”
Peter Armata, father of contest winners Peter and Lucie Armata, echoed Trudo’s sentiments.
“I love taking my kids fishing – it gives them an opportunity to get out of the house and do something outside versus watching TV or playing video games,” said Armata. “I like the fact that Vermont State Parks and Fish and Wildlife work together to promote fishing since some of the best lake fishing in Vermont is off of state park land.
“It’s also very easy to participate in Reel Fun,” said Armata. “We went to Lake Carmi State Park this summer, saw the signs and location for the loaner gear, and were ready to fish. And, it’s always fun to share your fishing pictures with others. No matter how big or small the fish, a memory is always attached to a picture.”
The Reel Fun Vermont fishing program and photo contest were introduced earlier this year at 10 different Vermont state parks across the state. Loaner fishing kits were made available for use by park visitors and participating anglers were eligible to submit photos of themselves fishing at a state park to the contest. At the end of the state park season, contest winners were selected by officials from both departments.
The Reel Fun Vermont fishing program will continue in 2016 and angler photo submissions may be sent via email to fwinformation@state.vt.us or parks@state.vt.us, or can be tagged on Twitter using #ReelFunVT.
For more information visit www.vtfishandwildlife.com.
