It was a little overcast, but still a great day for fishing Sunday at Indian Mountain Lake’s second kids fishing derby of the season.

Due to inclement weather for the first derby there was a low turnout, so Dave Skvoretz, chair of the Fishing and Lake Committee, said, “We had the prizes and sponsors. This helps get kids out of the house and enjoy nature. Hopefully they will pick up fishing as a lifetime activity.”

Sixty kids signed up for the derby. Prizes were donated by local businesses and community members. The prizes included fishing rods and tackle, sweatshirts and gift certificates to Tractor Supply, Gagliano’s Pizza and other local businesses.

The derby was a free community event, with Benny’s Pizza II donating pies for everyone.

Any youngster who did not have a rod was provided with one and even got a few fishing pointers from Fishing and Lake Committee members.

The derby was broken down by the following age groups: 1 through 6; 7 and 8; and 12 through 15.

Prizes were given in each age group for the most fish, smallest fish and largest fish.

Avid fishermen Paul Maillard helped his 11-year-old son, Lucas, learn to cast. He caught a fish shortly after the event began, bringing it to one of the four stations around the lake to be measured.

Right after they were measured the fish were to be put back in the water.

It was funny to see Lucas, who enjoys fishing, want nothing to do with actually touching the “slimy” fish.

Jessica Bautista brought her children, 10-year-old Mason and 12-year-old Lucas to the derby.

“We camp a lot by the water and fish,” she said. “Fishing teaches the kids patience.”

Ten-year-old twins Brooklyn and Ashlyn Fox clearly do everything together. They both caught fish at the same time, running to the measuring station. Brooklyn’s fish was 7 inches long, while Ashlyn’s was 5 inches.

“Worm Lady” Pat Wagner gave out the worms to everyone, having no problem getting them with bare hands into a cup.

Clara Davis, 5, seemed to enjoy playing with the worms in her cup much more than fishing. Aunt Veronica Pringle said, “She gave me a handful of worms and I screamed.”

Clark Schofield, 6, attending with his twin Charlie, also had a reaction when handed a cup of worms, noting, “These guys are alive. All of these worms are trying to escape.”

Overall, 142 fish were caught. It was a great day to enjoy the outdoors, learn a bit and mostly spend time with family and the community.