Indian Mountain Lake’s fishing lake was surrounded by hopeful youngsters for the 7th Annual Fishing Derby for those 15 and younger. The event was put together by the Fishing Committee.

Donations from local businesses and community members and organizations included food, gift cards and prizes, including fishing equipment totaling $3,500.

Dave Skvoretz, Fishing Committee member noted, “It’s good to expose the children to outdoor activities. We can loan the fishing rods and hope they get interested in outdoor things like fishing.”

Tony’s Pizza in Effort donated enough pizzas for all participants and families. All kids received coupons for free fries from Burger King and ice cream from Bella Mia. A silent auction for a trip for four to Lake Wallenpaupack was held to raise funds for future derbies.

“The Worm Lady” Pat Wagner, provided everyone with worms for bait. Rods were available for anyone who didn’t have one. Fishing committee members helped teach some kids how to cast and use the rods. This included Sameerah Abdullah, with five kids learning to fish and a baby on her back. The excitement, and a bit of squeamishness, could be seen as they were each handed a cup of worms and fishing rods.

Four weigh stations were set up around the 18-acre lake. Within a minute of the starting whistle 14-year-old Kieran Weaver caught the first fish, an 11½-inch trout. Kieran appears to already be a championship fisherman, winning for the biggest fish and doing so for the past 4 years.

Categories include most fish, biggest trout, in length, and smallest fish. Prizes were awarded for age groups 1-6 year olds, 7-11 year olds and 12-15 year olds.

Over 80 kids participated with a total of 210 fish caught during the two-hour event.

Even though it was a cold and windy day the kids loved the chance to fish, be with their families and enjoy the outdoors.