The Fayette Optimist Club held its annual fishing derby at The Lodge Assisted Living Community on Saturday morning, with 34 participants and their families partaking in the free event.

“It was great to see so many young kids and their families out enjoying the outdoors. Many of them caught their first fish ever,” said Sean Pridgeon, who runs the event for the Optimist Club.  

The anglers were split into two groups: eight and under and nine and over. The Club awarded prizes for the most and biggest fish caught. Every participant was also allowed to pick a prize to take with them. The Optimist Club provided free hot dogs and water.

“I want to thank Leigh Hilderbrand for allowing us to use her great pond for this event and the Missouri Department of Conservation for having three staff members attend. They brought poles for all of the participants and worms for bait,” Pridgeon said. “Kids can walk up there without equipment and fish for two hours.

“Lastly, we had five Optimists attend to help with cooking and serving hotdogs, measuring and recording fish, and helping with clean up at the end. It was a great event!”

Eight-and-under prize winners were Leland Stroupe for the biggest fish (13.5 in.) and Rhylan Hilderbrand for the most (seven). Nine-and-over prize winners were Emily Pierce for the biggest (16.25 in.) and a tie for the most fish between Jacob Martin and Elliot Gerlt (eight each).