When the COVID-19 crisis surfaced in March, I doubted that it would have much of an impact on the outdoors.
Sure, there was a hiccup with the trout opener, but the spring gobbler season started on schedule without any issues and the trails and open areas on state lands are still being enjoyed by many.
While the pandemic certainly caused a major disruption to the civilized world, the outdoors was largely immune to such impacts.
Or so I thought.
As quarantine orders and business closures continued to persist, it became apparent that some of the outdoor activities and traditions that we love would also fall victim to the threat of the virus.
Early season bass tournaments – those that utilized state launches – were cancelled by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission as the events constituted a gathering, which is a no-no for social distancing guidelines.
While bass season is currently closed through June 12, it’s still not certain if the summer tournaments will get the green light to proceed.
I think bass tournaments can be conducted in adherence to social distancing guidelines, assuming they’re in effect in June. The biggest challenge would be the registration and weigh-in portions of tournaments, but there’s no reason why anglers can’t space themselves out while they wait in line to put their fish on the scale.
But there’s another outdoor pastime, one that takes place at ponds and streams throughout the state, that has been postponed and it might not be possible to bring them back this year: Trout fishing derbies for kids.
Nothing exemplifies the benefits of fishing like a trout derby. Sportsmen’s clubs, civic groups and businesses all work tirelessly, volunteering their time and money to make the events happen.
And it’s worth it.
Every trout derby I’ve been to – both years ago as a kid and today as a parent – are always packed. Whether it’s a child catching their first fish or a youngster struggling to reel in a trophy trout, fishing derbies are a thrill for all involved.
The events attract a crowd, and during normal times that was a sign of their success.
Today, however, the popularity of trout derbies is the cause for their demise in 2020. Because the events are usually held on small ponds or areas intentionally sectioned off to concentrate the fish – making them easier to catch – it’s impossible to hold a derby while adhering to social distancing guidelines.
If you’ve ever been to a trout derby, you know what I mean. How does a parent untangle lines, net fish and prevent excited kids from running around while remaining a fishing pole length away from the person next to you?
As a parent myself, it pains me to see trout derbies cancelled even though, right now, there isn’t any other choice.
Still, it’s a significant loss.
In my area of northeastern Pennsylvania alone, I know of half a dozen derbies that were cancelled. The events included those held on local streams and ponds in which businesses and conservation clubs partnered together to not only buy and stock trout, but make a day of it by adding games, food and educational exhibits. The North Branch Trout Derby Association, Nanticoke Conservation Club and the Ashley Area Children’s Trout Stocking Association are just a few of the groups in my area that lost their derbies due to COVID-19.
My father took me to the first North Branch trout derby in the 1980s. In 2014, I took my 2-year-old son to the same derby, and that’s where he caught his first trout. Next year, my daughter carried on the tradition and caught her first trout at the derby, and we’ve been going every year since, until now.
Another group, the Back Mountain Police Association, held its derby at Frances Slocum State Park every May since 2006. The event was unique in that local law enforcement personnel, emergency responders and Waterways Conservation Officers helped the kids bait hooks and land fish. Not only did children catch trout, but they also formed a positive bond with law enforcement. The event was extremely popular and always attracted 150 kids or more.
Now, for this year anyhow, it’s gone.
In the big picture, we’re fortunate when it comes to outdoor recreation during the COVID-19 crisis. We can still hunt for gobblers, go fishing or take a hike on a trail.
But those little ponds and sections of streams where fishing derbies were usually held now serve as a reminder that everything isn’t normal. Gone are the shouts of excitement, laughter and tangled lines that was a common occurrence when kids crowded around a fishing hole. There will be no prizes awarded for the biggest fish, no hot dogs to grill and no friendships rekindled.
Worst of all, with the cancellation of kid’s fishing derbies, there won’t be any memories made.
For some children, a derby is their only chance to experience the fun of fishing. It’s an event where the only purpose is for kids to catch fish, and that’s how future anglers are made.
Losing a year’s worth of trout derbies is a major impact of the COVID-19 crisis, and for some kids it was their only opportunity to cast a line, watch a bobber and reel in a fish.
Perhaps that’s the biggest loss of all.
- This story appeared in Pennsylvania Outdoor News.
