Seniors Catch Big Action in Colorado Fishing Derby

A fishing derby is a long-time tradition that involves a field of contestants competing for prizes for the biggest fish in the contest, or the most fish caught. It can offer a big pot for the winner and a series of prizes for runners-up. In some cities, there is a lot of media exposure for a fishing derby, with many spectators.

Colorado's Loveland Fishing Club took the fishing derby concept to nearby seniors and it was a smashing success. One hundred senior citizens from several assisted living and continuing care facilities participated in the inaugural September derby.

"This hasn’t been done in this area and I think it’s going to grow,” said president of the Loveland Fishing Club Ray Park, to the Loveland Connection. “It has been very well accepted by the senior citizens. I have had numerous thank-yous for the opportunity to get out,” he told the media source.

Seniors were equipped with fishing licenses, poles, and bait. The Colorado Division of Wildlife stocked the pond with 800 fish the night before the event. Participants enjoyed themselves though no big catches were had.

Still it was fun to be outdoors - gone fishin'.