“Today is about family and friends coming out to enjoy a day of fishing,” explained Kimberly Sargent, coordinator of the 2024 Rug McArdle & Hunter Wolfe Youth Fishing Derby. “It’s a day to remember Rug McArdle and my son, Hunter Wolfe.”

Richard “Rug” McArdle was a member of the Germantown Grove Club who passed way in 2021. Hunter Wolfe passed away in 2011. Both were avid fisherman who loved the sport. The fishing derby was started three years ago to honor their memories.

The success of the day could be measured by the smiles of the children as they brought the fish they caught to be measured.

Smiles like Jackson O’Donnell from Jim Thorpe who caught a 19½ inch fish. Mason Belford of Jim Thorpe measured one at 13½ inches. Annaliese Remmel and her grandfather, Dave Remmel, both of Jim Thorpe, were reeling them in. Alex Vitti of Albrightsville and Julian Guth of Summit Hill both won trophies.

Trophies were awarded to the quickest catch as well as largest fish for boys and girls.

“We want to thank the Germantown Grove Club for hosting out fishing derbies,” Sargent added. “Also to Mason’s Cold Beer, Axis Stabilization, and Molly Maguires Pub & Steakhouse, who sponsored this.”

The Germantown Grove Club also remembered two more of its members who passed away this year; Francis “Frank” Sebelin and Michael “Baby Bull” Hyska, both of Jim Thorpe.

The Germantown Grove Club will hold its annual Special Needs Children Fishing Derby May 9 and 10 at the club off South Street, East Jim Thorpe.