NEWS
Outdoors with Larry DiDonato - Sunshine Arrives Just in Time for Kids Fishing Derby in Earlton
All kids were winners at the 10th Annual Joe Maurer Memorial Youth Fishing Derby held in Earlton, NY, and not just because all got a prize. 42 kids up to the age of 16 were outside, and off-screens while they enjoyed a sunny day catching fish at Maurer's Pond. The more time kids, and adults spend fishing, hunting, trapping, and other forms of outdoor recreation, the less they may find themselves glued to their phones. Joe Maurer was a big, early supporter of getting youth more engaged in outdoor sports like hunting, fishing, and trapping.
After the extended deluge of rain experienced just prior to the event, the abundant sunshine on Saturday, May 10th was a welcome relief. It arrived just in time for the 10th Annual Joe Maurer Memorial Youth Fishing Derby held Maurer’s Pond in Earlton. The Earlton Fish & Game Club in conjunction with the Mauer family put on a great free event once again this year. Ruth Maurer and children, Joe and Suzanne, joined the many members of Earlton Fish & Game present to lend a hand.
Joe Maurer was a past president of the Earlton Fish & Game Club. Joe was a kind, salt of the earth, all-around good guy. He represented the best of organized sportsmen. Joe was forward looking, fully understanding that youth needed to be recruited into the fold of hunting, fishing, and trapping, if those pursuits were to survive the alarming rate of attrition of the aging demographic making up the majority of sporting license holders in NY.
So, Joe and others, made it a priority to lobby for lowering the age kids can hunt and creation of special youth hunting seasons. Both endeavors were very successful. We now enjoy youth turkey, pheasant, waterfowl, and big game seasons, with 12-year-olds now able to hunt, small game, deer and bear. Joe Maurer was an early advocate who always supported youth hunting and fishing. I’m happy to report, Earlton Fish & Game, the Greene County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs, and countless other organized sportsmen’s organizations have also taken up that mantle.
Back to the derby, 42 kids up to the age of 16 were on hand catching fish and having a great time outdoors on a beautiful day. Hot dogs, cheeseburgers, chips, beverages, and other refreshments were provided to all attendees as kids took to the pond with great enthusiasm and success.
The biggest fish in the eight and under age category was caught by Madelyn Marsh, who landed a 15.5-inch largemouth bass. Hunter Brown caught the most fish with a total of 30. The smallest fish was caught by Brendan J.
In the 9-13-year-old category, the biggest fish, a 14-inch bass, was caught by Rebel Mattice, with the most fish, 22, caught by “Jojo.” The smallest fish was caught by Ryan Patterson.
Lastly, in the 14-16 age category, the biggest fish was caught by Henry Ross, the most fish by Darin Vail, and the smallest fish caught by Robert Patts. The winners took home the honors and a special prize. Every kid there was a winner just by having their folks bring them there to fish. All kids who registered received a prize.
Members of the Earlton Fish and Game Club wish to thank all who volunteered to make this year’s event a success. They expressly wish to thank the Maurer family, and all the donors to the 10th Annual Joe Mauer Memorial Youth Fishing Derby which include, the Greene County of Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs, the Earlton Volunteer Fire Department, Holcim/United Steel Workers Local 4-429, Griffin's Market, Stewarts Shops, Paul's Pizza, Pomodoro's Italian Eatery, the National Bank of Coxsackie, Mountain Top Portable Toilets, and Hannafords.
Help continuing Joe Maurer’s legacy by supporting youth hunting, trapping, and fishing in any way you can. The next great kid’s fishing derby is coming up on June 21st at Catskill Point. Check out “News and Notes” below for further details.
Happy hunting, fishing, and trapping until next time!
News and Notes
Ray Brooks Memorial Youth Fishing Derby in Catskill to be held on Saturday, June 21st The Greene County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs is sponsoring the annual Ray Brooks Memorial Youth Fishing Derby which will be held on Saturday, June 21st at Catskill Point. Kids 5-15 years of age are eligible to register and compete. Registration is from 9:00 am to 10:00 am. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. Fishing starts at 10:00 am and ends promptly at 1:00 pm. Bait and refreshments will be provided, and all registrants will get a prize. Bring the kids down for this fun, free, fishing event!