Tuscora Park to host Trout Derby
Last year’s New Philadelphia Trout Derby was such a swimming success that another is planned for April 27 at the pond at Tuscora Park in New Philadelphia. The event will be from 8 a.m. to noon with a focus on young anglers age 17 and under.
“Last year,” said New Philadelphia Ward 2 council member Mitch Pace, an organizer of the event, “the whole pond was surrounded by people. There wasn’t a place left to put a line in anywhere, even though the weather could have been better.”
Pace learned from resident Jeff Miller last year of a program by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources that stocks ponds across the state with rainbow trout. Pace got Tuscora Park on the list, and the pond was soon stocked with nearly 1,000 of the prized fish.
“We were excited about how many people came out for the derby last year,” Miller said. “There were lots of families and parents and grandparents with kids and grandkids — so many smiles everywhere that day. It made it all worthwhile.”
This year the day before the derby, the park pond will be stocked with at least another 1,700 trout, a number that may rise as high as 2,000 depending on overage allowances within the program.
The park pond will be unavailable for fishing on Friday, April 26 for the restocking.
For every trout caught in the derby, the angler’s name will be entered in a prize drawing, which will commence at 12:30 p.m. that day. Prizes include 15-25 equipped fishing poles and stocked tackle boxes. The prizes are made possible by donations from local sponsoring businesses. Winners must be present to collect prizes.
“We could not have done it without the community stepping up with sponsorships, and we’re very grateful,” Miller said.
In addition to the possibility of winning some great prizes, trout caught that day can be kept rather then thrown back into the water. Greg Kipps will be on hand to clean and get the fish ready to be taken home and cooked at no additional charge.
“They make a five-hour round trip to be here, so tips will certainly be appreciated,” Pace said.
“The fish are 10-14 inches long and about 1 to 1 1/2 pounds,” Pace said.
Up to five trout may be caught and kept the day of the derby. Any other species of fish must be released back into the pond. There is no size limit for the trout that are caught that day.
Online registration for the derby is available via the event’s Facebook page under New Philadelphia Trout Derby. The derby is open to age 17 and younger. Fishermen age 16 or older must have a fishing license on the day of the event while those 15 or younger do not need a license to participate. Those who preregister also are entered into a drawing for one of five fishing vacations to be given away. Trips with charters to catch catfish, muskie, perch, walleye and channel catfish will be up for grabs.
Two food trucks will be on hand for the derby from Kona Ice and Messdad’s Concession. Tuscora Park Foundation will serve doughnuts as well. Last Stop Tackle Shop of Uhrichsville will be at the pond with bait and fishing tackle available for purchase.
After the derby wraps up at noon, anyone may come and try their hand at catching trout any day. “Those who are 16 or older must have a license of course,” Pace said.
The derby is a family event. “We encourage parents to help their children to catch fish, but please keep in mind this day is all about the kids,” Pace said. “We want them to fish and have a good time. The adults can fish for themselves later.”
Another trout derby is planned for this fall in late October. “There were a lot of requests to add another derby,” Miller said.
The fall version will include several varieties of trout and another pond restocking by Hooked On Trout Farm.
Participants are encouraged to consider bringing a cooler for stashing and transporting the rainbow trout they catch.
