by Lisa Schauer

Before dawn on Saturday, May 2 people waited in line to claim their spot at the Tonoloway Rod & Gun Club’s annual fishing rodeo.

Around 80 boys and girls registered for door prizes and trophies for trout fishing.

Club members grilled hot dogs and offered chips and drinks, stoking a wood fire on a cool morning by the lake.

“This is a tradition at the club, and it’s a good way to give back to the community,” said event organizer Roger Pryor of Hancock.

Tonoloway Rod & Gun Club is one of the oldest clubs in Maryland, going back to 1936, Pryor noted.

Their fishing rodeo was one of the first in the state, said King Exline of Hancock, who participated as a youth, and helped resurrect the fishing rodeo over 20 years ago as a club member.

The club will be open to kids for one week, as part of the annual fishing rodeo, said Exline.

Albert Powell Trout Hatchery in Hagerstown stocks the lake, where bluegills, sunfish and bass also dwell.

Casting from the bank, Ryder, 10, from Hancock said the bluegills were biting.

“It’s about catching fish, not a trophy,” said Ryder, reeling in a red-eared blue gill.

Classmate Brantley, 10, from Hancock said his favorite thing about fishing is just relaxing.

Bryce, 13, an avid junior bass fisherman from Falling Waters, came to the fishing rodeo with family.

“I like getting outside and enjoying nature, and when you finally catch one, it’s a rewarding feeling,” said Bryce, as he demonstrated his casting skills.

About halfway through the three-hour fishing rodeo, the first trout was caught by Harper Strock, 4, of Needmore.

Harper caught and released a12-inch trout, nearly breaking her pole as she reeled it in, said her proud papa.

For her effort, Harper got to pick out a new fishing pole from the prize table, saying with a smile she wished it was a trophy.