By Adam Davis
Saturday, May 4 from 8:30 a.m.— RUTLAND—The annual Free Fishing Derby will be held at Combination Pond located at 9 Sharon Drive in Rutland on Saturday, May 4 from 8:30 a.m. until 11a.m. Registration for the event will be held at 8 a.m. The fishing derby is for children up to 13 years old and all children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Prizes, trophies, and multiple raffles will be given out during the derby. The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department will stock the pond with fish prior to the competition. The Kiwanis Club of Rutland and the Rutland Recreation and Parks Department will be hosting the event.
The Rutland Kiwanis Club will hand out four trophies for the following: the first fish caught, the youngest participant to catch a fish, the biggest fish caught, and the most fish caught. The most fish caught trophy stipulates that participants catch no more than five fish of the same species (trout, catfish, perch, etc.).
Walmart will also be on hand to sponsor a raffle draw that will take place every 15 minutes during the derby. The first prize is an 11-foot Boston Whaler (with a 15 horsepower Johnson Outboard Motor with a galvanized trailer). Second Prize is a Minn Kota Trolling Motor and an Interstate battery. Other raffle prizes include rod and reel combos, tackle boxes, and fishing nets. Raffle tickets must be purchased the day of the derby and you must be present to collect your prize. Prices for raffle tickets range from $10 for one ticket, $25 for three tickets, and $50 for seven tickets.
Free hot dogs, snacks, and drinks will be provided.
