Children line pond for chance at fish

Saturday morning cartoons took a back seat to hooks, bobbers and eventual dinners as more than 200 youngsters turned out for the annual Scott Brow Fishing Derby.

"What a gorgeous day," said Dave Korson, president of the Northport Sportsmen's Club, which sponsored the event. "It couldn't have been any nicer."

Especially for Ryan Howard. The 4-year-old fought and landed a 22-inch rainbow that earned him third place at the derby, held annually in the Northport Mill Pond.

"He caught it on his first cast," said Ryan's father, Roy. Ryan bore a grin large enough to explain how much fun he had at the tournament.

Roy and Ryan Howard

Ryan was still smiling Sunday night when Korson hand-delivered a trophy to the Howard home.

"He remembered how big that fish was," recalled Korson.

The sportsmen's club planted 500 rainbow trout, most of them in the 10-12 inch range, in the kid-friendly Northport Mill Pond. Grass extends to the water along most of the pond, offering plenty of room for rookie anglers to back cast.

The usual tangle of lines was endured, but adults prevailed to get kids' bobbers back in the water as soon as possible.

Included with the planting were 25 larger rainbows that went 16-20 inches, and two that looked more like steelhead to adults — or whales to tiny kids.

Grant Groomes of Romeo, who was staying with his uncle Clay in Northport, took first prize with a 33-inch, 18 1/2-pound rainbow. Clay explained that several casts with bobber and worm were needed by Grant to get the fish to bite.

"Maybe he got mad at the bobber," suggested Clay.

Taking second place was Shane Stoffel, 15, a student at Leland High School. His 'bow went 31 1/4 inches.

But it appeared that all kids at the derby were winners. Most caught at least one fish, and every youngster who cast a line was welcome to select a prize from those donated by area businesses.

Members of the Northport Sportsmen's Club will stay active this weekend. They'll be busy with food preparation Friday night and Saturday prior to their annual smelt dinner. Meals will be served from 4-8 p.m. Saturday at the Leelanau Township Fire Hall.