Rocky Hill Families Go Fishing

Fathers and mothers helped their little fishermen and amateurs learned the basics of rods and reels during the annual town  Saturday morning.

Earlier in the week, the pond at , which has been the host location of the derby for over 10 years, was stocked with 230 fish. Saturday morning, parents and children cast their lines and moved around to find the best spot to reel in the catch of the day.

"It's a lot of fun. She was really excited," said Mike Brouillard, who was fishing with his eight-year-old daughter Erin for the first time. Over 70 children attended the derby.

According to Park and Recreation Department officials, there were three fish caught during the first session, however as of 11 a.m., nothing had been caught in the second session. Last year, 25 fish were caught over the two sessions, but there has been years when not one fish was caught.

Each year, the Parks and Recreation Department receives a special permit from the state, so they can hold the derby before the opening day of the fishing season.

"This way the Fishing and Game Club members can assist with problems like restringing lines and helping with tingles," said Jim Gutowski, who has been helping at the derby since its inception. “It's nice and safe and very controllable, so we can get out there and help any little ones." 

Gutowski said the event offers children a chance to get acclimated to fishing and parents the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors with them.

"And maybe catch a few fish," he added.

The derby has been running for 31 years and for the first time offered a pancake breakfast. The breakfast was prepared by and benefited the Rocky Hill Fishing and Game Club, which was established in 1933.

"It is in our club's bylines to promote outdoor sports," said Rocky Hill Fishing and Game Club President Eric Lavery. "Fishing is a great entry to outdoor sports and it leads to other outdoor sports."

Lavery said his club, which plans to cook a breakfast at the derby for the next few years, was able to serve several hot meals to hungry fishermen and women as well as little league parents watching their children practice. He thanked little league for letting the club use their concession stand to cook the breakfast.

"They did a fantastic job with the event," Lavery said about the Park and Recreation Department.

For more information about Parks and Recreation Department events, contact its office at 860-258-2726 or visit its website.

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