Zainab Al-Mehdar
Shawville June 4, 2022
This year’s kids fishing derby had a record turnout with 124 officially registered. It is an annual event held Quebec-wide where kids can fish without . . .
a licence.
Bill McCleary, mayor of Shawville added that it’s a great way to introduce the kids to the sport.
THE EQUITY spoke to some of the adults who were out fishing with their kids. “Just the look in their eyes when they bring it in, that’s what it’s all about. My dad took me fishing and I learned a lot. So that’s the hope for them when they’re my age and maybe they’ll be bringing their kids here,” said Bruce Taggart, who was out with his boys.
“Spending time with them is fun and the fishing is just a bonus,” said Bill Moloughney.
For Méliane de Jesus she got into fishing because her son loves it. “It is fun. The one out of three is really enjoying it, the other ones are just kind of following along. But the joy on their face when they catch a fish is priceless,” she said.
The kids could take home up to three fish. “Anyone that wants their fish cleaned. I’m cleaning them so they’re ready to just rinse at home and cook,” said Richard Armitage, one of the councillors helping out.
There were 510 speckled trout put in for the kids to fish out. There were prizes for the longest fish. The winner for longest fish in the boy’s category went to Jayden Wagner with 30 inches, a total of all three fish, and in the girl’s category, it was Ava Richardson with 29.5 inches.
In addition to fishing, members of the Shawville-Clarendon Fire Department brought their trucks for kids to enjoy. Wayne and Susan Tubman were providing burgers and snacks and two of the Lion Club members were handing out free popcorn for the kids.
