by Lisa Schauer
Roughly 80 young anglers, aged four to 15, cast for lake fish to compete in the annual Youth Fishing Rodeo held at Tonoloway Lake on Saturday morning, May 3.
Trophies were awarded by age categories, and within the state catch limit of five trout a day.
Young fishermen and women were also catching and releasing catfish, bass, sunfish and crappies. Most were using lures and spinners.
The lake is stocked by the Albert Powell Fish Hatchery, Maryland’s largest, according to Leroy Mann of Hancock, president of Tonoloway Rod and Gun Club.
“We want to give back to the community,” said Mann, who opens the club gates to the public for a week each year, as part of the annual fishing rodeo.
Door prizes were given away throughout the morning, along with hot dogs off the grill, snacks and sodas.
“Kids can’t usually compete for trout,” said club member JR Funk of the youth fishing rodeo, there with his grandsons.
The Tonoloway Youth Fishing Rodeo was started around 30 years ago, according to event organizer King Exline. He credited local businesses who co-sponsor the event every year by supplying prizes and other giveaways.
photos by Lisa Schauer
