LIMESTONE, Maine — DeLema Pond’s banks were packed this weekend with over 61 fishermen and women for the annual Fishing Derby at the Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR); family and friends of the young anglers included, over 100 people flocked to the refuge on Saturday to make this year’s derby the most attended since the Friends of the ANWR first began the contest.
Winning the derby was 6-year-old Grant Stubbs with his catch of eight fish weighing a pound. Tying for second place were 6-year-old Jake Beaulieu and 10-year-old Bryce Morgan, who both caught six fish weighing a pound. Placing fourth was Brandon Morgan, 13, with four fish weighing 1 pound.
Derby organizers had a lot to be pleased with, between the great turnout, happy anglers and nearly half the derby spent bug free, thanks to the weather, but there was one aspect of the derby they were particularly pleased with.
Beaulieu and Bryce Morgan tied for second place, but they both wanted to pick the fishing pole prize. Being older, Beaulieu decided to let the younger fisherman have the pole instead.
“It was such good sportsmanship,” said President of the Friends Group Betty Rinehart.
All the prizes were funded by a memorial donation in the name of Sterling Haynes, who had always wanted to attend the derby.
