Derby returns fishing to St. John

The Kids Fishing Derby at Heritage Hardware in St. John is back Saturday for its second year after drawing about 150 youths last year in the age-old conflict of man versus nature; nature being trout stocked in pools in the lot next to the store.

“We’re just hoping it doesn’t rain,” said Denny Hinds, co-owner of Heritage Hardware.

This year two pools will be stocked with a total of 250 fish. Fishing poles will be available to youngsters up to 12-years-old with volunteers to help bait, reel-in and clean the catch.

“We really want (the kids) to catch them,” Hinds said.

Learning from last year’s event, the main pool is about four feet tall to discourage youth from leaning over and looking in. The poles will be set against the edge of the pool and fishers kept back from being able to hit or kick the side of the pool. Hinds noted kids hitting the sides of the pool was a reason the fish did not bite as expected last year. When the young fishers could look in and see the fish, they would all cast into the same spot, resulting in tangled lines. By keeping back and not seeing where the fish are congregating, angling will be more like fishing in natural settings.

There will also be other activities available for kids, including face painting, offered by a local church group. St. John businesses will have sales or specials to entice fishing patrons and chauffeurs.

The pools will be set up in the lot next to Heritage Hardware on Main Street in St. John. The event is free and open to all fishers 12 and younger.

The pool was filled by the St. John Fire Department on Monday and will be stocked Thursday or Friday so the fish will be ready to bite on Saturday 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.

“Just come and have fun,” Hinds encouraged.