Despite a persistent drizzle that tried to spoil the day's fun, the fish in the Murrow Park pond had their hands full avoiding a gauntlet of lines and lures as outdoorsmen young and old came out determined to make the most of the day.

The event, held May 3 by the Pawling Fish and Game Club as always, drew an estimated 45-50 children and their families and handed out various fishing equipment as awards for the youngsters.

In the 0-5 age group, Hunter Scechtig won awards for largest fish and third-most fish, Christopher Manstrolli and James Osborne tied for second-most fish, and Mya Spencer, 3, finished with not only the most fish, but the second-largest and third-largest fish.

Jason Schultz dominated the 6-10 age group catching the largest fish and tying for most fish with Dalton Woodin. Mikey Millard had a great day too, catching the largest trout, the second-most trout, and the third-most fish. Dominica Alvarez caught the second-largest fish and tied with Dylan Iurato for the second-most fish.

In the 11-16 age group, both the largest trout and largest non-trout were won by Chancey Turner, who also won most trout and second-largest fish. Matthew Acevedo caught the most fish, the second-most trout, as well as the second-largest trout. Tim Benson caught the second-most fish and tied with Donald Millard for third-largest non-trout. Sarah Woodin finished with the third-most fish.

According to Jim Osborn, a local fisherman standing on the banks of the pond with his young son, Ed, the derby was an opportunity to come out and support the Pawling Fish and Game Club while giving his son the opportunity to catch his first fish ever, a 9-1/2 inch bass.

"He loved it," said Osborn. "That's all we got though, the big one got away."

Courtney Spencer, a Wingdale resident, arrived at the pond at 6:30 a.m. to stake out her spot with her 3-year-old daughter Mya, who by noon had caught 10 sunnies and a big bass.

"She's done most of it herself," said Spencer proudly. "And all with a Barbie Fishing Pole we got from Wal-Mart."

"We'll probably both wake up sick tomorrow but it's been worth it."

"It wasn't a huge turnout but it wasn't bad," said Bill Coon of the Fish and Game Club. He said about 120 trout were caught, the majority by fisherman who arrived early at 7 a.m.

He also asked to thank the Lions Club for once again opening up their pavilion as well as Kevin Capalvo, Augie Baldino and Kenny Robinson Sr. for stocking the pond with fish earlier in the week.

He also reminded residents that the Fish and Game Club's mentoring program started on May 14, with free instruction offered in archery and fishing, with teachers including John Roegge, Larry Cyganovich, Les Wagner, Scott Brady, Sandy Killen and Larry Mercilliott. For more information call the Town Recreation Department at 855-1131.