Participants in the 2021 annual Youth Fishing Derby. The Derby was held on Labor Day Sunday, September 5. Earlville Conservation Club officials say it was the largest turnout the event has ever seen. (Submitted photo)

EARLIVILLE — Labor Day Sunday, September 5, drew 23 youth fishermen ranging in age from three to 12. Although we were missing 13 to 16 year olds, this year’s Youth Fishing Derby was the Earlville Conservation Club’s largest turn out.

The fishermen braved a cooler day and a few raindrops on the shore and from boats, for 2 hours of fishing ending with celebratory lunch for all. Madison Lake lent a total of 53 fish for catch and release, measuring a total of 296 inches! That is 100 inches and ten fish more than last year.

Maranda Schmidt was the Master Fisherman by catching a total of ten fish, measuring a total of 49 inches. Maranda led the nine to 12 year old age group.

Eric Buell, also in the nine to 12 group, reeled in a total of 46 inches of fish, one being the largest fish of the day, a nice 11 inch bass.

Jared Konst led the five to eight age group, reeling in four fish to measure a total of 21 inches. His brother, Ethan Konst led the five and under age group snagging eight fish equaling 37 inches.

Vinny Urben of the five and under age group caught the first fish of the day, and tied with Moira Roberts of the nine to 12 age group in catching the second largest fish of the day. They both landed a couple of feisty nine inch fish!

Thank you to the other participants who came out and enjoyed the fishing derby: Gavin Grisolini, Myah Grisolini, Fenner Kershaw, Grace Davie, Grant Davie, Gabriel Davie, Alex Harrington, Victor Harrington, Zane Lathrop, Mariah Lathrop, Braden Zbicki, Kinsey Nelson, Garrett Nelson, Ella Jane Rounds, Nathan Pisiak, Michael Pisiak and Jaden Unczur.

The Earlville Conservation Club’s 5th Annual Youth Fishing Derby was planned, organized, and run by Earlville Conservation Club members. All youth fishermen were honored with prizes generously donated by the Leland Pond Bait Shop in Madison. The club is grateful to the Bait Shop and volunteers for their support and generous donations.

-from the Earlville Conservation Club