AJ News

Mauri Rapp Abington Journal Correspondent

DALTON - Just over six years ago, Dalton resident Bill Montgomery and business owner Joe McGrath stood outside of the local post office discussing what they could for children in the community. Several years, several hundred kids and several thousand fish later, the annual Dalton Fishing Derby has become a springtime staple for families with aspiring anglers from as far away as Tunkhannock all the way to Scranton.

click image to enlarge

First row: Victor Rosa Jr. Second row, from left: Ashley Dixon, Jim Sprague, Joe McGrath Sr., Fishing Derby President Tom Davis, Bill Montgomery. Third row: Victor Rosa, Tim Lee, Joe McGrath Jr., James Guest, Jimmy McGrath, Jay Stanley and Eric Stanley. Absent from photo: Nikki Dixon and Lorraine Daniels.

Select images available for purchase in the
Times Leader Photo Store

The first fishing derby was able to attract approximately 65 children and raise about $1,000. McGrath said that dollar amount doubled the following year, until last year the event attracted approximately 140 children. McGrath said that he expects this year to bring in about 160 children and raise at least $4,000, with the help of area businesses and community members.

It’s a task he can’t do alone, he said.

A number of local businesses donate refreshments, prizes or their time to the cause. Refreshments are donated by businesses all across the area: Dalton Country Store,Schiff’s in Dickson City, McGrath’s Pub and Eatery, Mayur Patel of Dalton Pharmacy and Mid-Valley Beverage,Gander Mountain in Dickson City, Farmland Dairies, and Cookies Travelers among others. McGrath said that approximately 25 volunteers help out during the event, assisting the children with everything from baiting their hooks to measuring their fish.

These volunteers are members of the community, friends, and employees and of course, McGrath’s family: his wife, Paula, and his sons, Joe Jr. and Jimmy. Also, Dalton Fire Company and Dalton Ambulance volunteer their services to insure that the event remains safe and to help with parking and supervision. “Every time I’ve asked somebody from the community to do something for this event, they’ve never said no,” said McGrath. “From the borough allowing us to use the creek to the fire police and ambulance crews to the businesses that help...”

Still, the event takes months of planning. In February, Montgomery and McGrath began placing donation jars at businesses. The McGraths purchase the fishing poles for the event and order fish from Beaver Kill Trout Hatchery near Tunkhannock to stock Ackerly Creek for the derby. “When you see an 8-year-old catch a 15- inch trout, and his eyes become as wide as saucers, it’s all worth it,” he said.

The premise is simple: children 15 and under compete by trying to catch the biggest fish. McGrath said he has the creek stocked with approximately 400 fish, many of which are in the 15-20 inch range or larger. Fish are measured by the official “fish measurer,” Tom Davis, who serves as Derby President. Three trophies are given out for three separate age groups for a total of nine trophies, all of which are supplied by Superior Trophy and Engraving in Scranton, with the overall winner awarded a trophy plus $100.

The three age groups are: 8 and under, 9-12, and 13-15. Also this year, Dalton Girl Scout Troop 438 is sponsoring the “One that Got Away” Trophy in honor of Mark Keene and Willard Van Fleet, two local men who died Feb. 21 during a water rescue. McGrath said he wanted to memorialize the two men because of all they had done for local communities. The trophy will be awarded to a child who doesn’t catch a fish. “Everyone gets fed and everyone gets prizes,” said McGrath.

Dalton’s Sixth Annual Fishing Derby will be held at Dalton Streamside Park in Ackerly Creek on Sunday, May 17 from noon until 3 p.m.; registration begins at 11 a.m. Any child under 15 who does not have a fishing license is eligible.