By DEWEY TERRILL
JC Post

There was a big catch during the third annual Brandon Stroda Kid’s Fishing Derby at Homer’s Pond in Junction City Saturday. Zach, Jacob and Craig Bender pulled in a huge catfish. Tournament participants estimated the size of the big fish was in the 20 to 22 pound range.

Nine-year old Jacob told JC Post that his sister, Logan, first saw that their fishing line was being pulled and told her dad who then saw that the line was being pulled down. Jacob said at first that they thought they had snagged a turtle so it was a surprise when it was pulled out of the water. “Yeah. And then it got snapped when it just came up on the shore.”

Twelve-year old Zach said it took about two minutes to reel the fish in to shore. “Then we finally brought it in and it snapped and somebody helped us pull the huge catfish in. It was probably the biggest fish we’ve ever caught.” They were using one-third ( the middle part ) of a bluegill for bait.

There were a lot of kids who participated in the tournament. Coordinator Alex Tyson with the host organization, Geared Up Dads, said the event was an opportunity to give back to the community. Tyson explained that Homer’s Pond is a good location. “Homer’s Pond is centrally located in our community where we can have all forms of people in our community come out and participate.”

The fishing derby is named after the late Brandon Stroda. His father, Bob Stroda, called it a great event. “It’s a good time for the kids to get with their parents and come out and experience some fishing, and just good family time.” He stated his son would have liked the event. “This was his idea when he wanted to get the tournament started.”

As for the big catfish, it was released back into the water at Homer’s Pond.