The Whitehall Township Recreation Bureau annual youth fishing derby was held on a picture-perfect day May 25 at Hokendauqua Park. There were 61 registered young anglers ages 4-15, many with their parents and grandparents accompanying them.

Whitehall Township Park and Recreation Director Brandon Hibbler was smiling from ear to ear at the turnout, the weather and the young anglers seeking to land a whopper that might grant them the biggest fish award. Numerous prizes were distributed to the lucky kids.

Hibbler said two 30-inch trout, 10 25-inch trout and 15 20-inch trout, along with smaller trout, were stocked into the stream for the contest.

The concession stand was staffed by Aubrey Steiner, of Coplay, with Jason Carrera, of Egypt, cooking on the grill and Martin Donahue, of Hokendauqua, helping as needed.

Nolen Valero, from Catasauqua, was proud of the fish he caught. Braylee Kline, of Whitehall, enjoyed her time fishing. Her father pointed out there was a very large trout in front of them they were trying to land.

Grandparents Carson and Susan Smith and their adult daughter Amy Bell watched young Everly Bell fish for trout. Standing proudly on a bridge crossing over the stream, Aliyah Wragg showed off a rainbow trout she just caught. Aliyah, from Bethlehem, was all smiles at her success at the fishing contest.

Nancy Mesics and Rochelle Becker sat by the stream like many parents and grandparents. They enjoyed the fishing contest, making it a family outing with their kids and golden retriever.

More than trout were caught, as George Marcus, of Egypt, caught a feisty sunfish. He noted the sunfish gave a nice battle while on the line before being released back into the stream.

The contest, by all measures, was a success with great weather, fishing and family fun.