On Thursday July 6, 2023, the Rangeley Region Guides’ & Sportsmen’s Association held its second annual Kids Fishing Derby. On a very hot humid day, 129 children had the opportunity to cast a line in the RRG&SA kid’s fishing pond in hopes of catching a brook trout. Because of the warm weather conditions, the fish catching was slower than usual. The successful anglers and their families were very excited when landing their fish. For many of the children, this was their first fish caught.  All of the participants received commemorative medals, a free lunch, and an opportunity to win multiple raffle prizes.

1st place-Noah Coy 16 ½” trout NICK LEADLEY

The trophy winners in the 4–6-year-old age group were:

1st place-Noah Coy 16 ½” trout

2nd place- Abigail Gould 14” trout

3rd place- Claire Hayden 10 ¾” trout

Mason Poulin from Gray, grand prize winner in the drawing for a Lifetime Maine Fishing License. NICK LEADLEY

The trophy winners in the 7–10-year-old age group were:

1st place- Moxie Van Hook 13 ¾” trout

2nd place- Addie Desjardins 10 ½ trout

3rd place tie- Broden LeClerc and Nyla Minnick 10” trout

Unfortunately, no fish were caught in the 11-15 age group. However, the grand prize winner in the drawing for a Lifetime Maine Fishing License came from this age group. Mason Poulin from Gray, Maine was the very happy winner.

With the tremendous turnout for this event, RRG&SA is already brainstorming on how to make the event bigger and better next year.

This event would not be possible without the generous support of the Rangeley and Oquossoc business community. A huge thank you to our sponsors: Platinum Sponsor- Oquossoc Marine. Gold Sponsors-Blue Flame Gas, Boss Power Equipment. Silver Sponsors-Rangeley Builder’s Supply, Morton and Furbish Real Estate, Oquossoc Grocery, Castonguay Docks. Bronze Sponsors-Morton and Furbish Insurance, Rangeley Region Power Systems, Rangeley IGA, Franklin Savings Bank, S&K Quality Fuels, Height Chevrolet, River’s Edge Sport Shop.