36th annual Fishing Derby hits Norwood

There has been no shortage of opportunities for anglers in Norwood this spring.

The 36th annual South Norwood Fishing Derby and Rubber Duck Race went off without a hitch on Saturday afternoon into the evening as, this year at least, the weather cooperated, the fish were biting and the turnout showed.

Hundreds of children and parents came out to the event, which, organizer and Selectman Michael Saad said, attracted enthusiasts from 17 towns, including Norwalk, Connecticut and Cumberland, Rhode Island.

“What a great day, the sun was out at first and then it got cloudy, the fish were biting all day, and the biggest one has been 1.525,” said Saad. “The whole crew, the civic, the Town, they all did a great job. There had to be 200 people running down the stream for the duck race. Another great day for Norwood.”

Saad said the day is held to encourage youth interest in fishing, which he felt was a great success.

“Everybody’s having fun, bringing fishing back alive, the parents are helping the boys and girls and that’s what it’s all about,” he said.

Norwood Recreation Director Sam White said they had no problems throughout the day.

“This is my fourth time for the Rec Department,” he said. “It’s just a great turnout, smiles everywhere, everyone’s having a good time. We sold a good amount of ducks, and everybody’s just happy out there casting their fishing lines and enjoying the day. It’s always a great Saturday afternoon, and seeing everyone having a great time, just means everything.”

Youngsters Miguel Romero and Malachi Medna said they came a bit late, coming from a Norwood Boys Soccer game.

“We didn’t really have time to fish, but I like to walk around and see what’s going on,” said Romero.

Medna said this was his first time at the derby and thought he would try his luck next year. Romero said this has been a family tradition for him for some time now.

The pair said they tied their opponent 4-4.

“It was intense,” Romero said. “We were losing 3-1, came up to 4-3, but we let in a goal. It was a good game though.”

Residents Kim Knauber and Donna Lynch said their families have been coming for years now as well.

“We enjoy fishing; my brother always comes to fish,” said Knauber.

Knauber said they’ve been coming a long time, too long to pick out which of the 36 years the derby’s been taking place.

“You guys have been coming 20 years of that at least!” said Lynch, with a laugh.

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“It’s a little cold today, but better than the rain last year,” Knauber said. “They’re pulling a few out and they’re having fun.”

Resident Ed Lynch said he came out with his granddaughter Lizzy Armstrong to help teach her to fish.

“I’ve come to just watch her, and it’s definitely fun, but it can get congested with a lot of people casting in a small area,” he said.

“This is my second time,” said Armstrong. “I’m having fun!”

For the derby numbers itself, resident Dante DiNatale took the overall win and the win for the 14-15 age range with a 1.25-pound fish (plus 11 others), followed by Elanya Nachgwy. For the 11-13 age group, Tobey Knauber won with a .68-pound fish, followed by Paris Welch and Miguel Smith. In the 7-10 age range, Connor McKenzie won first, with Aaron McKenzie and Frankie Foley not far behind. For the 0-6 age group, Lars Knauber took the win with three fish, followed by Jack Jasset and Christian Davila.

On the horizon, the Norwood Sportsmans Club at 576 Nichols Street is hosting its own fishing derby on Saturday, May 2 – rain or shine – with registration starting at 12 p.m. and fishing from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Registration is $5, and includes snacks. Club President Allan Howard said there will be a big prize for the winner.

“It should be a good one this year, with all the response we got,” he said. “We do our calculations for about five minutes after the derby and the kids are entitled to a water, a doughnut, a hot dog and a bag of chips. The winner gets a real nice prize – none of those little plastic dodad junk things, but a good prize like a fishing rod or something like that. We really want to be nice to them.”

The club will also take photos of fishers with their catches, develop them, and bring them back during the day free of charge. For more information, go to https://gvimes.link/sportsman