Armed with fishing poles, tackle boxes, lures and their favorite lawn chair, youngsters invaded Memorial Park on July 23, for the 16th Annual George Modock, Jr. Memorial Fishing Derby.
Eighty-seven youngsters between the ages of 7 and 15 turned out for the competition. “The normal turnout is between 30-35. One year we had 68 youngsters. This turnout is a pleasant surprise,” said Jason Swim of the North Royalton Recreation Department.
“I think it’s another sign that people want to get together again,” said North Royalton Mayor Larry Antoskiewicz. “And a big thank you to the Modock Family for sponsoring the event and helping families make memories.”
Mayor Antoskiewicz provided a lunch of hot dogs, chips and water for all those who fished, as well as their parents or grandparents.
Sue Roth, daughter of the late George Modock, shared how fishing was an integral part of her family’s life. “My dad was a fisherman. He used to go fishing with his buddy from the service. Or he’d go after work just to relax and sometimes we’d go as a family,” said Roth. “When my dad passed away, my mom thought this was a good way to keep his memory alive. The kids seem to enjoy it.”
George Modock Jr. passed in 2003. The following year, the George Modock Jr. Memorial Fishing Derby began.
“The City of North Royalton has been good enough to keep it going and helping with the fishing derby. We couldn’t do it without them. I would bring my mom up here to watch the kids fish and have a good time,” said Roth. Her mom passed away last year. “I want to keep it going as long as I can,” she said.
Fishing, a sport that requires patience, also provides a lot of one-on-one time between kids and dads, moms and grandparents.
“You have lots of time to talk. You get to spend lots of time outdoors doing something you love,” Kevin Cruetz said as he was helping his 7-year-old son Corbin put bait on his hook.
The youngsters had two hours to fish in the Memorial Park Lake, hoping to catch the biggest blue gill, catfish or large mouth bass they could.
All the fish that were caught were measured by employees of the North Royalton Recreation Department. Then, the fish were released back into the lake.
The winners are:
7-to-9 year old Category
1st Place – Easton Duke – 22 inches
2nd – Candice Weber – 16-1/2 inches
3rd – Braxton Herschberger – 13-1/2 inches.
10-to-12 year old Category
1st Place – Ava Freeman – 22 inches
2nd – Leah Gatins – 21-1/4 inches
3rd – Jamie Colarco – 20-1/2 inches.
13-to-15 year old Category
1st Place – Nathan Smelcer – 22-1/2 inches
2nd – Miles Weber – 20-3/4 inches
3rd – Carter Weber – 20-1/2 inches.
Cash prizes were awarded to the winners.

By JOE JASTRZEMSKI
Contributing Writer