ELKTON — Melissa Caldwell arrived at Howard Pond with her two daughters — Morgan and Bailey Gerleve, 11 and 9 respectively — at precisely 8:06 a.m. Saturday because they are Fishing Rodeo veterans who have learned a thing or two about the annual event.
“I was shooting for 8, so we could get here an hour before it started. That’s how we got this prime fishing spot today,” Caldwell said with a smile, gesturing toward the pond-side turf on which Morgan and Bailey were minding their rods.
She continued with her explanation, commenting, “This is our third year. The first two years we got here late, and we always ended up at a smaller spot.”
So apparently, the early bird not only catches the worm, it also catches the worm that will serve as bait at a prime fishing spot . . .
Caldwell’s desire to arrive early at Howard Pond (unofficially known as The Cow Pond) off Main Street on the eastern side of town Saturday for the 4th Annual Fishing Rodeo is a testament to how popular the event hosted by Team Elkton is. The Fishing Rodeo is specifically for children who are 15 and younger, with the goal of introducing them to the sport or past-time of fishing by teaching them baiting, casting and other techniques. For the more seasoned youngsters, the event is designed to refine angling skills.
Town of Elkton Commissioner Rob Massimiano, founder of the Fishing Rodeo, was pleased with the turnout.
“By numbers, this is the best one so far. We have 220 kids registered to fish today,” Massimiano said. “We had 120 for our first Fishing Rodeo. Our second year, we had 140 and that climbed to 170 for our third one. I’m really happy to see this event grow in popularity.”
Massimiano also was tickled by some of the successes on Saturday.
“Earlier this morning, I saw a kid pull out the biggest catfish I’ve ever seen. I just happen to be there when he caught it,” said Massimiano, who took a cellphone photo of the boy holding his gigantic catfish.
Under welcomed cloudy skies — the sun pounded on people in years past — the free event lasted five hours. Children and even some adults fished at the stocked pond in catch-and-release fashion. Numerous volunteers provided assistance at 22 bait and tackle stations and also strolled around the pond to help inexperienced anglers. Fishing rods were available for loan. Sarge’s Bait and Tackle near Elkton supplied goodie bags.
In addition, businesses and individuals donated a wealth of brand new toys, games and such for raffle prizes, as well as free pizza, hot dogs, breakfast sandwiches, chips and beverages. Elkton Police Department officers manned a booth and were there to help, too.
Elkton resident Christine Hitman took her 4-year-old son, Aiden, to the Fishing Rodeo on Saturday in the company of other family members, and she was quite impressed.
“It is an amazing event — the turnout, the prizes, the excitement and the teaching and learning (about fishing),” Hitman marveled. “This is a very nice event, one of the best we’ve been to.”
Most Popular
Comments / 0