Derby reels children in

Mark Hoffer, son of Tech Sgt. Shawn Hoffer, 4th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, waits for a bite by the no fishing sign during the fishing derby at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., Aug. 16, 2009. The derby was an exception to the no fishing rule at the Three Eagles Golf Course lake when more than 135 anglers were allowed the chance for catch and release fishing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rae Perry)

Derby reels children in

Jenna Mitchell, daughter of Airman 1st Class Jessica Mitchell, 4th Mission Support Group, selects a worm to use as bait during a fishing derby at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., Aug. 16, 2009. Jenna was the first child to catch a fish during the derby. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rae Perry)

Derby reels children in

Madison Tallarida, daughter of Senior Master Sgt. Dominick Tallarida, 911th Air Refueling Squadron, reeled in a 1.09 pound largemouth bass at the fishing derby at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., Aug. 16, 2009. Madison, age 9, won her age group by catching the largest fish. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rae Perry)

Derby reels children in

Families from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C. gather around the Three Eagles Golf Course lake to participate in a fishing derby Aug. 16, 2009. E-Z Bait and Tackle provided fishing poles and bait for families to teach children the joy of fishing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rae Perry)

Derby reels children in

Published Aug. 20, 2009
By Airman 1st Class Rae Perry
4th Fighter Wing Publich Affairs

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- The smooth water of the lake is disturbed only by the occasional fish catching a bug off the surface. It is stuffed to the gills with largemouth bass, bream, catfish, carp, eel and bait stealing, yellow bellied turtles. The smell of grilled hamburgers and hot dogs fill the air. Children squeal with excitement as they look into little blue and white containers and pick out a wriggling worm or cricket.

The smooth surface of the lake is about to be disturbed by the bobbers of more than 135 anglers, all looking for the elusive "big one."

The 4th Force Support Squadron opened the Three Eagles Golf Course lake to Airmen and their families Aug 16 for the first ever fishing derby.

"A lot of children have never fished. We just wanted to introduce them to the sport so they could learn a little more about it," said Pete Marnach, 4th FSS community services flight chief.

The event was free for children thanks to Gary Bevell, owner of E-Z Bait and Tackle.

"I donated all the bait, 25 bamboo fishing poles, money for prizes and food, so the children could learn the joy of fishing" Mr. Bevell said.

Prizes were awarded in five different age groups for the biggest fish. The biggest fish of the day, a 2.27 pound largemouth bass, was caught by Logan McDeritt in the 5-8 year-old age group. Logan is the grandson of Linda Edsall-Huard, 4th FSS deputy.

The derby was in the planning stages for months due to the golf course schedule, however with the closure, now was a great time to host the event, Mr. Marnach said. The event was such a success, plans are already in the works to make this an annual event.

"Next year's derby will take place around April; when it's still a little cooler outside," Mr. Marnach said.