A Perfect Day for a Kid’s Fishing Derby
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
The Rangeley Region Guides’ & Sportsmen’s Association proudly hosted its fourth Kid’s Fishing Derby on Saturday, July 5th at the Clubhouse Campus. The weather was ideal—a cool night followed by a mostly cloudy, comfortable day—perfect for fishing. Before the start, brook trout teased by rising throughout the Campus Pond, signaling a promising day ahead.
Registration began at 8 am, with eager kids arriving early. At 9 am sharp, twenty-three youngest anglers started their 30-minute fishing session using spinning gear. Within minutes, the fish cooperated, with eighteen trout caught. The largest measured 12 inches, with several between 9 and 10 inches. Our youngest contestant, Abigail White, at just 2 years and 9 months, proudly landed a 9-plus-inch trout. The top three in this age group were:
- First Place: Riley Austin (age 6) – three trout, largest 12 inches
- Second Place: Gavin Foley (age 6) – three trout, largest 10 inches
- Third Place: Brooklyn White – two trout, largest 10 inches
Next, eighteen kids aged 7 to 9 took their turn. They cast intensely during their 30-minute round, re-learning the patience fishing requires. Thirteen trout were caught, the largest 11 inches. The winners:
- First Place: Maggy Cortiss (age 8) – two trout, largest over 11 inches
- Second Place: Blake Bilodeau (age 8) – one trout, 11 inches
- Third Place: Morgan Lee (age 8) – two trout
The oldest and largest group—ages 10 to 15—included 36 participants. They caught 16 trout in their 30 minutes. The top winners were:
- First Place & Top Catcher: Byron Davis (age 14) – four trout, all 10-11 inches
- Second Place: Matti Levy (age 12) – two trout
- Third Place: Jackson Pasciscia – two trout
This year’s special award, a Maine Resident Lifetime Fishing License, was won by Blake Bilodeau (age 8), who also placed second in his age group. This lifelong prize was a thrilling highlight for Blake and his family.
RRG&SA delights in making this day special—not only awarding trophies but also commemorative medals to every contestant and giving each child a free t-shirt, thanks to the generous design contribution from Seth Noonkester at Mainiac Ink.
We extend our gratitude to River’s Edge Sports, Cabela’s Scarborough, and Rangeley Sports Shop for their generous donations of fishing gear and gift certificates, ensuring every child leaves with a prize for their effort and catch.
Beyond this event, RRG&SA proudly supports youth through its 29-year Junior Guides Program, teaching students conservation, safety, and outdoor skills. The Association also offers a significant scholarship for a graduating Rangeley Region senior pursuing conservation-related studies.
Our community’s support makes these programs possible, and a full list of sponsors and donors will soon be available at rrgsa.org. RRG&SA is more than a hunting and fishing organization—we strive to build community, promote natural resource awareness, and preserve Rangeley’s sporting heritage.
Thank you for your continued support. We invite you to join us as a member and help shape the future of outdoor stewardship.
Submitted by:
Sonny Pierce, President, RRG&SA