Bob Meloche Memorial Kids Fishing Derby draws large crowd

Chloe Prutchick fishes with her grandfather Tim.

A Father’s Day tradition returned to the AMA Sportsmen’s Association last Sunday.

The Bob Meloche Memorial Kids Fishing Derby was held with a large crowd of children, their parents and grandparents participating. Children ages 0-12 were invited to participate and fish had to be brought back to the AMA Sportsmen’s Association by 12 noon, though could be caught in any number of locations. 

The Town of Amherstburg granted a one-day exemption for fishing along the entire shoreline of King’s Navy Yard Park.

The Bob Meloche Memorial Kids Fishing Derby was chaired by Pat Pettypiece with Ken Tytgat as vice chair.

“It’s awesome. We have more kids this year than we had last year,” said Tytgat. “We’re over 200 kids this year.”

Zach Pouget and his grandfather Matt Siefker show off Pouget’s catch last Sunday morning.

A number of sponsors from around the community helped this year with Tytgat pointing out many businesses return year-after-year because they believe in the event.

“It’s been great,” said Tytgat. “We’ve had great support from sponsors. It’s all to help the kids.”

There were six bicycles among the prizes raffled off with volunteers from the club having to acquire more just days before the derby due to the large number of participants entered. 

“Every kid gets a prize,” said Tytgat. “They’re not going to go out of here without a prize.”

Members of the Meloche family returned this year in memory of Bob Meloche. Bob Meloche started the children’s fishing derby in his backyard and it grew over the years. Meloche passed away July 29, 2009 at the age of 75.

Pettypiece added his gratitude to all sponsors and supporters, adding the Amherstburg Fire Department came to the wrap-up party with a fire truck for children to view. 

Const. Nick Dupuis from the Windsor Police Service – Amherstburg Detachment was also in attendance to greet families and give them a look at a police cruiser.

“It was a great success thanks to all of the sponsors,” said Pettypiece.

Percy Maher and his daughter Amelia from Amherstburg were in King’s Navy Yard Park in the morning and he said it has become an annual happening for them.

“We love it. It’s been five years now,” said Maher, noting his son was going to be joining them as well. 

Maher added Amelia has won twice in the past.

“She loves it, I love it. It’s part of our tradition,” he said. “We’re glad they do it.”

Percy Maher and daughter Amelia were among those fishing at King’s Navy Yard Park last Sunday morning. The town granted a one-day exemption for fishing in the park for the Bob Meloche Memorial Father’s Day Kids Fishing Derby.

Adam Gowanlock was in the park with daughters Isla and Ella and their friend Sierra Storey with Sierra’s family suggesting it to them.

“This is our first time,” said Gowanlock. “They told us about it. We found out through them.”

They liked their initial year of participation.

“It’s good, very good,” said Gowanlock. “We’ll definitely come back next year.”

Eight-year-old Livia Helferty was out with her family but said the prizes are what she looks forward to most.

“I’m hoping for a fish,” said Helferty. “I’ve never got one.”

Chloe Prutchick and her grandfather Tim were along the park’s shoreline, with Tim stating it was their first time at the Bob Meloche Memorial Kids Fishing Derby.

“We saw it and thought we’d give it a try,” said Tim, who said he usually bass fishes out of LaSalle. “I thought it would be nice for her.”

They were hoping to catch a fish, but it was more for the experience for Chloe, Tim added.

Winners at the Bob Meloche Memorial Father’s Day Fishing Derby gather for a group photo outside the AMA Sportsmen’s Association early last Sunday afternoon.

Winners included:

Ages 0-4

1^st - Maryanne Gatto (32 1/4”)

2^nd - Benjamin Rekett (29”)

3^rd – Ben Maher (25 1/2”)

Ages 5-8

1^st – Samantha Dent (26 3/4”)

2^nd – Kevin Dent (26 1/2”)

3^rd – Colton Tremblay (26”)

Ages 9-12 

1^st – Finn Lowe (28 7/8”)

2^nd – Zack Kollin (27 1/4”)

3^rd – Easton Tremblay (26 3/4”)

SMALLEST FISH AWARD – Caleb Curtis (4 1/4”)

The club’s annual walleye tournament is ongoing and the wrap up party for that will be at the club July 5 starting at 12 noon.

Bob Meloche Memorial Kids Fishing Derby draws large crowd

By Ron Giofu