MONROE, Conn. — A cloudy sky and possible rain in the forecast did not keep families away from the Monroe Police Kids’ Fishing Derby at Great Hollow Lake last Saturday morning, an annual event that’s held rain or shine.
Ilana Klein brought Sebastian Roumer, 9, of Trumbull, to participate in the tournament, which offers prizes for the biggest fish in different age groups.
“He lives to fish,” she said. “This is his happiness.”
Pat and Angela Burdo, of Monroe, brought their two children, Max, 13, and Desilu, 8.
Pat said they had caught a small mouth bass, a pumpkinseed fish and a mackerel.
Nico McNellis, 7, of Monroe, caught a large mouth bass.
A group of Monroe police officers stood under the pavilion, weighing the latest catches and keeping track of the standings on a bulletin board. Categories included age five and younger; six and seven; eight and nine; 10 and 11; and 12 to 15.
Nearby, a table was covered with prizes, including tackle boxes, fishing poles and nets.
Police Sgt. John McAulay, who organized the 22nd annual derby, said the state of Connecticut recently stocked Great Hollow Lake with trout. He volunteered to run it Saturday, along with officers Dominick Ebert and Michael Panza.
Ryan Nye and Steve Martins, who owns Martins Custom Baits LLC, gave the children a demonstration before an awards ceremony.
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