Jesse Gommer must have thought he hooked the real Moby Dick.

The Panther Valley youngster was one of about 250 special needs children treated to a day of fishing at the Germantown Grove Club in Jim Thorpe on Thursday. The length of the trout that he and helper Kayden Hess caught was huge, about half his height. Despite the size of the catch, Gommer held the fish by himself, wearing a broad smile as he posed for photos from numerous club members.

His exciting day was part of the 71st annual Special Needs Fishing Derby, which the club co-sponsors with the Jim Thorpe American Legion Post.

Kim Sargent, coordinator and representative of the fishing derby, said it open to special needs children in grades kindergarten through 12th.

Another 250 youngsters were expected for day two of the event on Friday.

Participants are from schools throughout Carbon County as well as BHA Academy.

The annual fishing derby was started by the late Phil Rodgers, who was a member of the club and who ran the event for many years.

A highlight Thursday was the presentation of the Phil Rodger Memorial Scholarship, a $500 award. The recipient was Keira Reese of Jim Thorpe.

The presentation was made by Pat Rodgers and Mary Rodgers, children of Phil Rodgers.

Each of the derby participants has a helper who assists with placing the bait on the hooks and helping reel in the fish.

The youngsters were also treated to refreshments.

Onoko Fire Department volunteers were present and let the children hold a spraying fire hose.

Also present were officers of the Jim Thorpe Police Department, who mingled with the children. The officers were Chief Joseph Schatz, Detective Lee Marzen and Officer John Pruitte.