Family and fun at the fish derby Published May 29, 2007 By Airman 1st Class Luis Loza Gutierrez Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The 17th Services Division hosted the 2007 America's Armed Forces Kids' Fishing Derby Saturday at the Goodfellow Recreation Camp at Lake Nasworthy. "The purpose of the event is to encourage parental involvement and mentorship through family-oriented activities like fishing," said Shandy Scott, event coordinator. The fish derby has been an annual event for more than five years according to Ms. Shandy Scott. AAFES donated tackle boxes, fishing poles and $115 in gift certificates as award prizes. The following are the names of the categories of competition for the derby and the names of the children who took first place in them. Largest Fish 1st prize: Ian Underwood Smallest fish 1st prize: Kiana Torres Most Fish 1st prize: Ian Underwood Ian Underwood also took first place in the casting contest. Craig Bonds and Mandy Scott, two biologists from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Inland Fisheries Division, were on hand to record the official measurements of fish caught at the event. A fishing net was used to keep the 300 fish imported by Texas Parks & Wildlife from various parts of Lake Nasworthy from escaping the lagoon sectioned off for the competition. The different species of imported fish included drum, carp, sunfish and big-mouth bass. Student Soldiers from the 344th Military Intelligence Battalion volunteered to setup registration and prize booths. The Soldiers also helped feed the crowed of anglers and guests by preparing punch and serving hotdogs. The fish derby proved to be a fun time for both adults and children. Throughout the event, guests could hear the voices of young children shouting with excitement, "I got one. I got one," as they reeled in their catches. Smiles were present at every corner, although a few pouts did show up thanks to the sneaky tactics of a few slippery fish that got away. "This event has been an enjoyable experience for me and my family," said Joshua Noble, an Army sergeant with Texas National Guard. "My family and I moved here about six months ago. My wife Tiffany and I love all the different events, especially the family-oriented events that the base puts together. There is always something to do."
