DA David Hoovler Announces Winners from the Fourth Orange County District Attorney’s Office Youth Fishing Derby
“Get Hooked on Fishing, Not Drugs”
Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, announced the winners of the fourth District Attorney’s Office Youth Fishing Derby. The Derby ran from April 1, 2024, through September 2, 2024, and was open to children between the ages of four and eighteen who are children or grandchildren of Orange County residents.
Tyler Mackay was the 1st place winner and received a $100 dollar gift certificate to Thruway Sporting goods as a bonus prize. All ten winners received an Orange County District Attorney Youth Fishing Contest Tee Shirt and a Mystery Tackle Kit as prizes. The District Attorney anticipates announcing next year’s contest in the Spring of 2025 before the outdoor shows in the area start.
This year over 14 species of fish were entered into the contest. When combined with the three previous derbies entries 30 different fish species have been entered into the OCDA Youth Fishing Contest so far. All entries are done by submitting photos of the young angler with the fish.
Our young contestant anglers have caught fish all over New York State including in the Atlantic Ocean, Long Island Sound, Lake Ontario, Lake Champlain, the Finger Lakes, the Saint Lawrence River, the Hudson River, Adirondack and Catskill Mountain lakes and streams, in addition to local Orange County waters. Our young anglers have caught Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Rock Bass, Bluegill, Walleye, White Sucker, Northern Pike, Chain Pickerel, Carp, Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Lake Trout, King Salmon, Bowfin, Freshwater Drum, Yellowfin Tuna, Bluefish, Porgy, Blackfish, Striped Bass, Sea Bass, Brown Shark, Crappie, Channel Catfish, Black Bullhead, Yellow Perch, White Perch, Redbreast Sunfish and Pumpkinseed. Trout, Largemouth Bass and Bluegill have been the most popular entries. Many of the fish caught would make accomplished anglers envious!
The Youth Fishing Derby named Get Hooked on Fishing Not Drugs is part of District Attorney Hoovler’s community outreach program. This derby was started during COVID-19 to try to keep children interested in life and away from drugs and gang activity. This is still the derby’s main goal. Participation in fishing is very popular and can be enjoyed at almost any age with friends and family, creating lasting bonds. Several U.S. presidents were accomplished fishermen and used fishing to relax from the stress and responsibilities of their office.
The Orange County District Attorney’s Office Youth Fishing Derby encourages the youth of Orange County to participate in an exciting outdoor sport that can be enjoyed for a lifetime. Any entry sent into the derby had an equal chance to win a prize for the young angler whether the fish was big or small.
“I commend all of the participants in the District Attorney’s Office Youth Fishing Derby,” said District Attorney Hoovler, “and I hope that you enjoyed your time in our great outdoors. Fishing is a great opportunity to see and experience the best of nature. I encourage everybody to make use of the great outdoors throughout beautiful Orange County and enjoy nature with family and friends. Always remember safety first when fishing! The winners of the Derby could be your children or grandchildren next year!”