Kids' Fishing Derby

Today the local boat club hosted a kids fishing derby at our local park pond. They stocked the pond with pretty big fish, some of which had clipped fins. Prize money was awarded based on which fins were clipped, with the top prize being $150. I think there were three $150 fish in the pond, and only one was caught.

So the two year old and seven year old fished today in hopes of catching a big prize fish. Actually I don't think the two year old had any expectations other than "catch a fish!" which he kept saying.

He figured out that the first thing he needed to do was get his line in the water. We helped him get it out a little farther, and then confined him to a lawn chair. He did really well and held the pole most of the day. He would even throw a fit when we needed to re-cast it for him. He didn't want any help (even though he really needed it).

Daddy helped get everything rigged up. It was a dangerous thing too, because he wouldn't give up the pole, so Dad had to be careful not to get hooked in the process.

But it all paid off in the end. The two year old caught a fish ... about his own size, but a fish, no less. He reeled it in on his own too! It's the first fish he has ever caught.

Not sure which of them was prouder - Daddy or the two year old :)

But he wasn't expecting it to be as slimy as it was :)

The seven year old caught a fish too. His was a little bigger, but still not a money fish. It didn't matter though. They both had a good time.

I'm not sure if you can tell from this picture or not, but we got rained on a couple of times. Just short little showers, so it wasn't too bad. Most of the day was nice and sunny, with a slight breeze. Perfect weather, really. Hope it's as nice tomorrow for the big Father's Day fishing tournament up at the lake.

Anyway, it was a good day, filled with plenty of eating - starting with donuts

... and cookie crisp cereal...

... pizza and hot dogs, chips and watermelon provided by the boat club.

Lots of good quality fishing time with Daddy...


... and a very worn out boy (or two) at the end of the day ... though the seven year old will never admit he was tired ;)

And the bonus of the day - after the nap, the 20 year old returned to us again, and we went out for an early Father's Day dinner. Too bad the 18 year old missed it. She is up at camp. She has been helping cook all week, and got to go on a camp-out with the staff tonight. She'll be back down in the morning so she can enjoy Father's Day with the family :) It's been a good day!