There may not have been any record-breaking catches this year, but there was no shortage of smiles, stories, and Scouting fun at Troop 3’s annual Fishing Derby!
Scouts from Troop 3 were joined by Cub Scouts from Pack 3 and their families for an afternoon spent enjoying the outdoors, trying their luck on the water, and celebrating all the little moments that make Scouting memorable. Whether it was someone’s very first catch or an unexpected visitor from beneath the water’s surface, everyone went home with a story to tell.
One of the highlights of the day was watching our newest anglers experience the excitement of catching their first fish. Brayden earned the honor of First Catch by a Cub Scout with a 7-inch sunny, proving that patience—and perhaps a little luck—can pay off. Not to be outdone, Michael landed a 7-inch sunny to claim First Catch by a Scout.
While bigger isn’t always better, our Smallest Fish award certainly brought plenty of laughs. Dr. Anne and Tommy shared the title after reeling in a tiny 5½-inch sunny. Sometimes the smallest catches make for the biggest smiles!
Of course, fish weren’t the only creatures making an appearance during the derby. Mr. Dingle and Mr. Turner had the surprise catch of the day when they encountered snapping turtles while using hotdogs and pepperoni as bait. Thankfully, both anglers and turtles parted ways safely, giving everyone another memorable story to add to this year’s event.
Back on shore, participants tested their guessing skills with our ever-popular “bait bucket” contest. Before anyone gets too concerned, this wasn’t a bucket of live bait—it was filled with gummy candy! Tommy came the closest to the correct answer with a guess of 400 pieces. The actual number? An impressive 453 gummy treats! Tommy’s keen eye earned him bragging rights and the guessing contest victory.
While the awards and contests are always fun, the true purpose of the Fishing Derby goes beyond who caught the first or smallest fish. Events like these bring together Scouts of all ages to experience the outdoors, learn new skills, and build friendships. Cub Scouts have the opportunity to fish alongside older Scouts and see firsthand the adventures that await them as they continue their Scouting journey. Meanwhile, our Scouts have the chance to demonstrate leadership, encourage younger participants, and share their enthusiasm for outdoor activities.
Scouting has always been about more than earning badges or catching fish—it’s about creating opportunities for young people to try something new, gain confidence, and make lasting memories. Whether it was celebrating a first catch, laughing about an unexpected turtle encounter, or debating just how many gummy candies could fit inside a bucket, this year’s Fishing Derby was filled with the kinds of moments that keep families coming back year after year.
A huge thank you goes out to everyone who attended and helped make the event a success. We especially appreciate the volunteers who helped organize the activities and encouraged our young anglers throughout the day.
Until next year’s Fishing Derby, may your lines stay untangled and your fish stories grow only slightly bigger each time they’re told!
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