Something that has become synonymous with the Polish Fisherman’s Club is their annual youth fishing derby they hold in partnership with the AmVets post 32, 11087 Middle Ave., Elyria every summer.
Headed by club president Tom Saltis, the fisherman’s club first began with the United Polish Club of Lorain.
“Five guys got together over 70 years ago to create a fisherman’s club where they could hang out and go fishing over the weekend,” he says. “As time went on, the club adopted the motto that growing youth is our concern and so a youth fishing group was born.”
Since that fateful day in 1947, the youth fishing derby has commenced every year rain or shine only taking a pause for the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We came back in full force last year with our best turnout yet,” says Saltis. “But we have had years prior where it has been downpouring and we still will get 20 kids showing up to fish.”
The tradition of fishing has become a staple for many of the families that participate in the fishing derby with many turning to volunteering once they age out of the fishing competition itself.
“I think this program is really great,” says Fisher Conn, a 14-year-old from the area. “I participated for a couple of years and wanted to come help out. It is also the perfect event to introduce fishing to young kids and families.”
This year’s turnout also saw record-breaking numbers despite the rainy weather with 65 kids participating catching well over 150 fish combined. Gregory Gunner came in the lead with a record-breaking 23 fish caught while Mason McKinney brought in the award for biggest at a 12.5 bass. As for weirdest catch, 8-year-old Star Runninghorse took home the prize for her over 1-foot-long snapping turtle catch.
“As part of our derby we give out prizes for largest fish, smallest fish, most fish and weirdest catch as well as break it down into boys and girls categories,” says Saltis. “We have the $30 prizes for biggest and most and six $20 prizes for our boys and girls groups.”
For Saltis, the inclusion of both boys and girls is what truly makes the derby worth it.
“It is great to see both young boys and girls out there fishing and taking home prizes and they really get into it,” he says. “Anyone can join the fisherman’s club, just as anyone can fish.”
