More than 40 young people and about the same number of family members were greeted by a gorgeous morning at the upper lake at Cacapon State Park in Berkeley Springs today for the Youth Fishing Derby.
Johnathon Melton pulled in the largest fish caught for six years old and under – a 23 inch 5 pound 11.4 ounce brown trout.
Elizabeth Younker was runner up with a 19.5 inch large mouth bass weighing in at 4 pounds 6 ounces.
Addison Waugh won for largest fish caught in the age 7 to 9 category at 11.5 inches. Bella Gonzales was runner up in that age group with a brook trout at 10.75 inches.
Collin Butts won the largest fish caught for the age 10 to 12 age category with a 17 inch brook trout and Zach Burch was winner of most fish caught in that age category with a total of four – three blue gill and one brook trout. Jacob Boyce was runner up in that age group with a 15.5 inch rainbow trout.
Khrystian Norris was winner of the most fish caught in age category 13 to 14 with a total of five trout. Norris also won the largest fish at 14.25 inches. Runner up in that category was Elijay Steven with a 12.5 inch trout.
In an interview after the event, Norris said that he was encouraged to fish by his grandfather, Floyd Bud Conaway. Norris caught five fish to win his age category.
Butts said that he caught his 17 inch brook trout with a spinner and he didn’t have to use a net.
Those who won most fish caught and largest fish in their age categories won a new Zebco fishing rod.
Cacapon State Park Activities Coordinator Valerie Chaney.
Front row left to right: Johnathon Melton, Elizabeth Younker,
Addison Waugh and Bella Gonzales.
The Ridge Fish Hatchery stocked the lake at around 10 am and let kids and participants join in the fun of helping stock lake.
The Berkeley Springs High School Fishing team volunteered to help out with the day. Cacapon Resort State Park with the help of community organizations and the West Department of Natural Resources police help make the event successful.