WILMINGTON — Rod and reel in hand, nearly 70 people came out to compete in the Annual Cape May Fishing Derby on Monday – and the fish were definitely biting.
Blue skies and perfect sunny weather helped draw a record crowd — including fishermen and fisherwomen of all ages — to the Cape May Retirement Village.
“Our annual fishing derby was a huge success,” said Abby Weiner, Cape May’s director of marketing and sales.
The winner of the adult division pulled in a 15-and-half inch bass, with the winner of the youth division catching a 22-inch catfish.
Many Cape May residents took to their porches and patios — some under the shade of an umbrella — to watch the competition. Cape May staff and residents mixed and mingled with locals, serving up tasty hamburgers, hot dogs and snacks at the campus center.
Among the snacks were Swedish fish and, of course, gummy worms.
Cape May staff presented awards for the most fish caught, largest bass, largest blue gill and largest catfish. The winners, in order of division, were: Bill Eden (adult division), Charley Harper (adult division), Erin Myers (adult division), Fran Unger (adult division), Kampbell Newman (youth division) and Cooper Reynolds (youth division).
One little lady who was seen working on her hot pink fishing rod was shaping up to be tough competition for next year’s Cape May Fishing Derby.