300 lured to fun-filled Fishing Derby!

A rainy-day postponement led to schools of anglers swarming the city’s Fishing Derby in search of a big catch!

Methuen Fire Department Local 1691 held their annual derby at Forest Lake last month on a beautiful sunny Sunday, with an estimated 300 residents attending. The firefighters donated, as well as cooked, all the food including hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and drinks. They also donated the fishing derby winners’ trophies and gift cards to Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Fire Chief Tim Sheehy said, “This must be the biggest crowd we’ve ever had. We had to postpone it a day because of the rain, but maybe a Sunday could be the best day to have it.”

Recreation Director Steve Angelo said, “Such a great turnout! We’re very happy with how everything went. This is a great community event to attend.”

City Council Chair Ron Marsan and wife Dianne were also on hand, dishing out apple crisp, apple cider and popcorn.
Derby winners were:
First Catch of the Day: Harper Benoit.
Biggest Fish: 13¼-inch bass caught by Matt Bolduc.
Biggest Overall Fish: Matt Bolduc.
Second Biggest Overall: 11½-inch bass caught by Miles Benoit.
Most Fish Caught: Cole Mallon snagged 7!
~ Nancy Reardon

Davis Ferriera, 15, casts his line from shore hoping to catch a big fish.

Enjoying burgers and hot dogs after fishing are (from left) Elise Figura, 11; Chris Figura; Sarah Cantara; Daphne Cantara, 14; Emma Chambers, 7, and her family Mike, Allie and Mason, 9.

Matt Bolduc (left), 17, snagged a 13¼-inch bass which earned him the award for Biggest Fish of the Day. He’s shown with his friend Cory Kalivas, 18; both are students at Methuen High and scored some nice catches!