Fishing contest at the Cape fishing pier brings smiles and prizes

Nearly 60 young anglers participated in the sixth annual Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park youth fishing tournament Sept. 7, at the state park’s fishing pier.

The event was held from 8 to 11 a.m., and a free T-shirt was given to the first 50 contestants. Prizes were given for the largest fish and the most fish caught. Trophies were presented to the winners and runners-up in each category.

Hot dogs, ice cream and other treats were served at the event.

Local businesses, friends and tackle shops donated fishing-themed prizes so no one went home empty handed. Two fishing trips were also awarded for a parent and child.

Landon Clark received the first-place trophy for largest fish with an 18-inch striper; second place was Cole Flanagan with a 14-inch flounder; third place was Drake Webb with a 13-inch flounder; fourth place was Ava Robinson with a 13-inch oyster cracker; and fifth place was Aubrey Zamorski with a 12.5-inch king fish.

Catching the most fish was Logan Hudson with 23; second place was Webb Ciavarra, also with 23; third place was Charlotte Robinson with 19; fourth place was Jonathan Berzin with 13; and fifth place was Scott Zenorini with nine.

“It’s a lot of work getting it together, but it’s worth it seeing the smiles on the youngsters’ faces,” said organizer Dave Frazier.

The event also helps to get young people interested in other park activities, he said.