Friday, June 18, 1999
Fishing tournament catches a crowd
BY CINDY SCHROEDER
The Cincinnati Enquirer
VILLA HILLS — They caught everything from snapping turtles to blue gill Thursday, when families lined the banks of Franzen Lake for the annual Children's Fishing Tournament.
“This is a regular turtle derby,” Villa Hills resident Steve Haughey said, as his 6-year-old son, Patrick, reeled in his second turtle of the day. “Give me five, Mr. Turtle Man,” he quipped, as the two slapped hands.
Like many participants, the father and son take part in the tournament each year.
“He caught 20 some fish last year,” Mr. Haughey said. “It helps when you have an experienced grandpa. He knows all the tricks — everything from the right size hook and the right kind of bobber to the right bait,” Mr. Haughey said.
Now in its sixth year, the Children's Fishing Tournament has grown each year, said Villa Hills Council Member Steve Kramer.
The city provides the trophies and the bait, while the Villa Hills Civic Club of fers the use of its lake.
Besides the fishing, participants are treated to a lunch of hot dogs, chips and drinks, courtesy of local businesses, and the children receive free T-shirts.
“It's just a great community event,” Mr. Kramer said Thursday, as he handed out Popsicles to participants.
Although the event is officially for Villa Hills children ages 5 to 12, it traditionally draws people of all ages from throughout the county, organizers said.
“We never turn anyone away,” said Mr. Kramer, who heads the city's recreation committee. He estimated 45 children and 30 adults attended this year's tournament.
Kenton County Sheriff Chuck Korzenborn even showed up Thursday, albeit without his grandchildren.
“My daughter grounded them,” the sheriff said, as he pinned a junior deputy badge on a youthful fisherman. “I told her she's punishing Grandpa as much as the kids.”
Participants also included Tawnya East of Villa Hills, who brought eight children, ranging from 4 months to 8 years.
“We aren't catching anything, but it's a lot of fun,” Mrs. East said, as she helped a child cast his line.
She grimaced as her 8-year-old daughter, Devin, asked her to split a worm.
“I will draw the line at that,” the mother of four said. “I'm not into ripping worms.”
headThe winners
Winners in the sixth annual Villa Hills fishing derby:
First place for size
Ages 4-7: Patrick Haughey, 18 inches.
Ages 8-11: Adam Premec, 14 inches.
Ages 12-15: Brian Earls, 8 inches.
First place for the most:
Ages 4-7: Todd Caldwall, three
Ages 8-11: Ethan Leverman, three
Ages 12-15: Tim Hamberg, two.
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