Photo By Daniel A Mongiove | GROTON, Conn. - Member of Navy Team New London catches a fish during a fishing derby...... read more read more
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Story and photos by Lt. j.g. Daniel Mongiove
GROTON, Conn. >> Members of the Navy Team New London community caught a good time while competing in a fishing derby held at the Naval Submarine Base New London (SUBASE) Rock Lake, July 8.
More than 65 patrons attended the SUBASE Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Department sponsored event which included breakfast and loaned out fishing poles at no cost to the competitors.
“We had a great turn out and an even better catch,” said Melissa Forrester, MWR special events coordinator, who emphasized that Rock Lake fishing is strictly catch and release. “We stock the lake with Largemouth Bass and Blue Gill every May for the sport of SUBASE personnel and their guests.”
During the tournament, the fish caught ranged from five inches to a whopping 15.5 inches.
“Larger fish have also been caught such as an 18-inch Largemouth Bass a few years ago,” noted Forrester.
The fish were definitely biting Saturday, as the participants reeled in nearly 100 fish.
“This is a perfect fishing spot, especially for the little ones,” said Chief Petty Officer Ramon Escalante, assigned to USS Hampton (SSN-767). “You’re almost guaranteed a catch and it’s close to home. MWR did a great job. My kids were really excited to come out today and take part in the competition.”
The contest winners were chosen based on longest fish caught as well as overall total length of fish caught during the course of the 80-minute competition.
With a catch of five fish and a whopping total of 46 inches, first place went to 10 year old Ashlyn Dunn, who competed with her grandfather, retired Navy veteran Scott Dunn.
“I am very proud of her,” said Scott. “She came in 3rd place last year, and now she won first.”
“One of the fish was so big that I had to use all of my muscle just to carry it,” said Ashlyn. “I can’t wait to go fishing again.”
Unfortunately, not everyone’s poles were bighting that day. However; that didn’t stop 13-year-old Ethan Zehr from having a good time with his dad, Senior Chief Petty Officer David Zehr who is stationed at the PCU Vermont (SSN 792).
“Fishing is fun, but spending time with family is even better,” said Ethan. “I had a great time just spending the day with my dad.”
Unlike fishing off base, fishing at Rock Lake does not require a fishing license.
“It’s all about the fun, and we encourage families to pack a picnic lunch and use the facilities,” said Forrester.
For more information about other family fun events, such as the MWR Luau this Friday, SUBASE patrons are encouraged to check out the MWR Facebook page or call (860) 694-3723.
| Date Taken: | 07.08.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 01.31.2018 13:13 |
| Story ID: | 264091 |
| Location: | GROTON, CONNECTICUT, US |
| Web Views: | 94 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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