Anglers Age Four, Five, Eight Win Woodbury Fire Fishing Derby

WOODBURY – Atlas Godejohn, age 8, (photo) pulled a 18-inch brown trout to win top prize at the Woodbury Volunteer Fire Department’s annual children’s fishing derby on Saturday May 15th. In all 39 children caught 50 fish while their families watched, helped, or cheerfully got in the way during the Mel Synder Memorial Event under warm blue skies.

Organizer Jason Hatstat, a Woodbury firefighter, described The 2021 derby as “a resounding success with anglers from far and wide coming to try their luck.” The prize for the Most Motivated Angler went to Brandy Morris, aged 5, (photo) who had no luck landing a fish all day but tried so hard that firefighters rewarded her persistence. The prize for Sportsmanship went to Jake Fillie, aged 4, (photo) who caught several fish and released each one, he said, “so that other kids could have a chance.” Among the fish Fillie turned loose was a 13-inch rainbow trout that he caught less than three minutes after the derby began at 8 am.

Among the youngest anglers was Ryan Hatstat, age 2, who caught a 17.5 inch rainbrow trout and was in first place until Godejohn took the lead to win the Lee King memorial award. The event is the Mel Snyder Fishing Derby, named after a former chief. The largest fish trophy is in memory of King, a former deputy chief whose farm pond is the venue for the derby. The sportsmanship award honors Darlene Start, the late wife of Fire Lt Chris Start.

Hatstat and the assembled firefighters also thanked the local businesses that donated gifts for the free raffle that helped the children with their equipment . “These merchants donated items that will give so many kids memories they will cherish forever,” he said. The derby is in its 20th year, despite the necessary cancellation of last year’s event due to precautions against the covid-19 pandemic.

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