Fishing derby participants celebrate despite lack of fish; ‘Not a bad way to spend a Saturday morning'
More than 100 people attended the annual Cops and Bobbers Fishing Derby on Saturday at John Janega Park in Lindenhurst.
Fishing enthusiasts were offered bait customized to attract invasive and unwanted carp that overpopulate area waters, despite consistent restocking of desired native fish species.
But, the 90-minute derby ended without one fish caught, something organizers blamed on the dramatic change in temperatures Friday and Saturday.
'That weather change is not helping,' said John Rytina, a regular angler and also a Lindenhurst police officer who launched the Cops and Bobbers partnership with the Lindenhurst Park District several years ago. He explained that the change prompted the bottom-feeding carp to lie low.
But turtles were seen popping their heads above the lake surface to the delight of many.
Carp fished from this park lake can measure between 18 and 24 inches, Park District executive director Dave Mohr said.
'They're just invasive,' he said. 'They just tend to sort of take over areas. And this time of the year … they're usually spawning.'
Any carp caught would have been donated to a local farm to fortify its fields, Mohr said.
'It's good fertilizer,' he said. 'It's a whole circle of life.'
Those in attendance did their best to make the best of the occasion despite the lack of fishing success.
'We're here to build relationships and build rapport,' said Kristin Rayome of Lake Villa, who attended with husband Kyle Rayome, and children Madison Schroeder, almost 10, and Savannah Schroeder, 7.
The fishing derby showed Madison and Savannah how 'the community all comes together,' and 'that law enforcement isn't scary,' Kristin Rayome said.
Savannah said her fishing pole caught 'nothing,' but that she enjoyed being outdoors, 'because I like nature.'
The fishing experience for the Becker family of Lindenhurst included stunts on the shoreline lawn, courtesy of Lucy Becker, 8.
She said fishing was 'kind of chill,' and 'we get to hang out.'
Nearby, Koa Stokes, 12, of Lindenhurst, hooked a soggy bag that was promptly disposed of in a suitable receptacle. Lucy's sibling Jonathan Becker, 13, caught a small green bucket, so he said he was at least, 'cleaning up the lake.'
Despite the absence of fish, Lucy's and Jonathan's father Jim said with a smile, 'It's not a bad way to spend a Saturday morning.'
Fishing gear also included a rhinestone tiara worn by angler Miss Lindenhurst 2024 Emma Quane, 22.
'It makes you feel like a kid again,' Quane said of the fishing derby.
Mary Phillips of Lindenhurst started her birthday celebration in the company of grandson William Pease, 2, of Johnsburg.
'It's a great day to spend with him,' she said. 'He's definitely a grandma's boy.'
Lindenhurst Police Chief Melinda M. Linas and Mayor Dominic Marturano said they were grateful for donors, sponsors and community partners. The event included raffle prizes such as fishing pole kits, games and giveaways.
The Illinois Conservation Police Lodge trailer attraction offered wildlife interactive education. A youngster who lives across the street from the park sold lemonade from a stand in his front yard under the supervision of his father.
'Events like this are great because it brings the children and their parents together with the officers who are serving the community,' Linas said. 'It's a good way to get to know each other on a personal, casual level. I think it builds that trust.'
Marturano said, 'It's another event for our police officers to be involved in, in the community, especially with the young kids. They get to see the best of the officers in good times.
'I think it's important and I think a lot of the families, the parents, think that's important, too,' he added.
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