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Water fowl glide over the surface of Buckmaster Pond in November of last year.
Westwood Recreation's annual Fishing Derby returns this Saturday, May 8, 2021 to Buckmaster Pond after skipping a year due to Covid.
This year's Fishing Derby will be a trimmed down event, says Recreation Program Manager Joe Bertone. Mr. Bertone notes that the event's usual partners, North Walpole Fish and Game Club and Westwood Volunteer Fire Department Union, will not be involved this year. He noted that the fish and game club is operating at limited capacity. With many of its members being seniors, Mr. Bertone noted that the club is concerned about keeping members safe in the pandemic.
While the activities this year will be different and "lighter," Mr. Bertone states the importance of having as many outdoor activities as possible open to town residents. There will be some small activities and prizes, although "fishing will be the main show," he says. Children and adults alike can compete in two separate contests for the biggest fish caught, as measured by weight. Small gifts and prizes will be given at the end of each time slot. Overall winners of the day’s contests will be announced sometime after the event ends, after participants fishing in three different time slots have had a chance to weigh their catch.
Interested participants can register online under Westwood Recreation's Spring 2021 activities. The three time slots to participate in are this Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Up to fifty participants are allowed in each time slot. Time slots are new this year, and intended to give the Recreation Department an idea of attendance.
The event is free to children, and participating adults can contribute $10 cash to "buy in," says Mr. Bertone. Participants aged fifteen and over should obtain or purchase a freshwater fishing license in advance of the event. Licenses are not expensive and they are free for fifteen to seventeen year olds. Children age fourteen and under do not need a license.
Once registered, participants should plan to bring a bucket, rod, and bait. Sunscreen and bug spray may also be needed.
Mr. Bertone suggests families with young children may want to augment this weekend activity by adding their own hunt for live bait. He notes that recent rainy weather may make worm catching an additional, fun activity for kids.
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