Fishing derby great success with help from many

The 2004 Rathdrum Fishing Derby was again a great success in the community of Rathdrum. The fishing derby program, which was held on June 12 at Rathdrum City Park, brought more than 288 registered participants who participated in Idaho’s Free Fishing Day. I would like to thank the many people who helped make this program such a huge success.

The Rathdrum Fishing Derby would not have been such a popular event without the Idaho Fish and Game Department who provided 600 fish for the community to enjoy. The Fish and Game provided six volunteers, goodie bags for the kids, bait and plenty of fishing poles for kids who did not have one. They also held a casting clinic, cleaned the fish, and brought out the thrill of fishing for all participants.

An “Atta Boy!” is well deserved for all those who participated or provided donations for all registered participants.

Mayor Brian Steele of Ponsness/Warren, provided more than 200 lures from Luhr-Jenson, along with salmon eggs from Pauztzke Bait Co. Councilman Vic Holmes provided fishing poles and bait from Eagle Pawn and Garage Door. The Rathdrum Public Works Department installed dams throughout the creek, creating several pools of deeper water so everyone had the opportunity to catch a fish. Nick Langley, recreation supervisor, was responsible for coordinating and organizing the best fishing derby in Idaho, right here in Rathdrum. Also, Roy Milks’ family and his 4-H gang camped out overnight, watching the creek so poachers would be kept out of the water until the start of the event. The Rathdrum Chamber of Commerce put in manpower providing the integral part that made this event so successful. This organization provided many prizes for the kids, and the tournament organizers and participants greatly appreciated all of their effort.

Thanks also to Panhandle State Bank, Wells Fargo Bank, Stein’s IGA and Wal-Mart.

Lance Bridges

Rathdrum Parks and Recreation director