Not one, but two fishing derbies in North Canaan

NORTH CANAAN — It’s said a day fishing is better than any other kind of day. North Canaan certainly seems to agree, as two derbies were held last week.Great weather and big rainbow trout that just wouldn’t stop biting at the annual Geer Fishing Derby Thursday, May 12, at the campus pond made for a perfect day.A cooler filled quickly with trout ranging up to about 15 inches long. A docile hound dog kept watch and licked his lips every time the lid was raised to pop another in. Less than two hours later, there were plenty of fresh trout to be sent off to the kitchen to be prepped for a fish fry lunch.On Sunday, May 15, the pond at the Northwest CT Rod & Gun Club was high and the day was rainy. But it did nothing to dampen spirits at the annual Robert J. Mangan Memorial Fishing Derby.It’s one of those occasions when everyone gets to be a kid. Going home wet and at least a little muddy is a requirement of the day.Just before the 11 a.m. start, canopy tents had sprung up around the pond. Kids were getting rid of extra energy, practicing casting, catching frogs and baiting up hooks (often a parent’s job) with worms, mostly, the favored bait to go after prize trout.