They say the worst day of fishing is better than the best day of working.

It was a rainy Saturday afternoon, but a little rain did not dampen the spirits of the children at the Fourth Annual Hunter Wolfe and Rug McArdle Kids Fishing Derby held at the Germantown Grove Club in East Jim Thorpe.

Hunter Wolfe passed away from leukemia at the age of 12 in 2011. Richard “Rug” McArdle was a member of the Germantown Grove Club who passed way in 2021. Both were avid fisherman who loved the sport. The fishing derby was started four years ago to honor their memories.

“Both Hunter and Rug found that this (the Germantown Grove Club) was one of their favorite places,” said Kimberly Sargent, the mother of Hunter Wolfe. “Both families were close and were very involved with the Germantown Grove Club. The club offered to help us hold an annual kids’ fishing derby.”

Sponsors of the event included Papillon and Moyer Excavating, Stroudsburg; the Germantown Grove Club, Jim Thorpe; the Jim Thorpe Sportsmen’s Club; Leffler’s Auto Service, Jim Thorpe; Bimbo Bakeries USA, Horsham; and Sand Spring Trout Hatchery, Jim Thorpe.

Prizes were awarded to the first, second and third largest fish for boys and girls. The largest fish award was sponsored by Tanya Hoherchak in honor of her father, George “Sonny” Hoherchak, who passed away in 2024.

There were free hot dogs, chips and other snacks, and drinks for everyone.

The Germantown Grove Club will hold its 70th Anniversary Special Needs fishing derbies from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday and Friday. The club is located at 800 Laurel Street in Jim Thorpe.