Nineteenth Annual Fishing Derby

Saturday - May 30, 2009 - 8:30AM to Noon

The Richmond Hill Exchange Club held its Nineteenth Annual Fishing Derby on Saturday, May 30, 2009 from 8:30 AM to Noon, at the Richmond Hill Fish Hatchery on GA Highway 144 in Richmond Hill. Registration began at 8:00 AM, and fishing began at 8:30AM. The derby was open to children ages 15 and under, accompanied by their parents or adult guardian, with awards being presented to children 12 and under. Over the past nineteen years, thousands of children have participated. We had over 286 area kids in 2009, plus an equal number of parents, grandparents, and others attending as well, and this represented our largest attendance ever. This years fishing derby took take place at four Fish Hatchery ponds that had been stocked with catfish and bream. Most participants brought their own fishing poles and bait, although free bait and poles were available too. Thanks to the Savannah Coca Cola Bottling Company for the use of their Coke Wagon, as well as a generous supply of Coke products. The DNR staff also cooked over 300 hotdogs for the participants and their families. There is never any charge for anyone participating in this event. Trophies for the largest single fish, and most total pounds of fish were awarded immediately following the derby, for two age groups--ages six and under, and ages seven to twelve. US Savings Bonds will be mailed to the children in the two age groups who caught the most total pounds of fish, and special thanks to Bryan Bank & Trust for providing the Saving Bonds for the past 19 years. Door prizes were be provided by The Richmond Hill Exchange Club also. Special thanks to the Exchange Club members who were present to help make this event a success, and also the dozen or more staff members from the local DNR Office. Also special thanks to Lt. Cathy Zimmerman of Fort Stewart, and several of the troops from Fort Stewart for volunteering to help during our derby this year. Members of the Georgia Masons were also on hand to prepare identity kits for the parents of children participating in the tournament. This program is known as GACHIP, and additional information can be found at: http://www.gachip.org/

Exchange Club President Laura Evans, and President-Elect Brad Brookshire presented trophies to the winners in the various categories immediately following the derby. Those categories included First Fish Caught, Most Total Pounds (limit of 10 catfish), and Heaviest Fish. $50 Savings Bonds and/or trophies were awarded for the various categories based on age, 7 to 12, and 6 and under. The savings bonds awarded were donated by Bryan Bank and Trust, and the trophies were donated by the Exchange Club of Richmond Hill. In addition to these awards, there were also door-prizes provided by the Exchange Club given away during the derby. The Exchange Club wishes to give special thanks the staff of the local Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and the Richmond Hill Fish Hatchery for their assistance over the past nineteen years, as well as the use of their wonderful facilities. The Bryan Bank and Trust has provided the savings bond awards for the past nineteen years as well, and their help is greatly appreciated in helping to make the event a continuing success. Thousands of kids and their families have enjoyed this event over the years, and we look forward to continuing the derby for many years to come.

Click here for a Fishing Derby Entry Form

Click here for an Information Sheet

Click here for a Rules Sheet

Click here for a Flyer to post

Click here for a Press Release

Click Here to see the GACHIP Brochure