Eighteenth Annual Fishing Derby

Saturday - June 7, 2008 - 8:30AM to Noon

The Richmond Hill Exchange Club held its Eighteenth Annual Fishing Derby on Saturday, June 7, 2008 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, with fishing beginning 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 eighteen years, thousands of children have participated. We had over 270 area kids on this year, plus an equal number of parents, grandparents, and others attending as well, and this represented our largest attendance ever. The fishing derby took place at three Fish Hatchery ponds that were 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 hotdogs for the participants and their families. There is never any charge for anyone participating in this event. Special thanks to the Exchange Club members who were present to help make this event a success, including Mark Schaefer, Jeff Nethery, Laura Evans, Jan Bass, Bob Whitmarsh, and Lynn Bennett, and also the dozen or more staff members from the local DNR Office. 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/

Left to right, Laura Evans, Bobby Jowers, Marcus Hannon, Lynn Bennett; In front: Evelyn Miller and her dad.

Winners in the various categories will be recognized at our Fishing Derby Awards Banquet Meeting at noon on July 9, 2008. Those categories include First Fish Caught, Most Total Pounds (limit of 10 catfish), and Heaviest Fish. $50 Savings Bonds and/or trophies will be awarded for the various categories based on age, 7 to 12, and 6 and under. The savings bonds awarded will be donated by Bryan Bank and Trust, and the trophies will be 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 thank the staff of the local Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and the Richmond Hill Fish Hatchery for their assistance over the past eighteen years, as well as the use of their wonderful facilities. The Bryan Bank and Trust has provided the savings bond awards for the past eighteen 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