Young Athletes Compete at Kids' Snapper Fishing Derby

At September's annual Kids Snapper Fishing Derby at Hudson Park,  the young fishermen ages six to 16, had very specific secrets to their fishing success, which they shared – although somewhat reluctantly. 

Joycelyn, who attends Traphagen Elementary School in Mount Vernon, cautioned, "Please don't tell," before leaning in to this reporter's ear to confide her super-confidential secret to success.

"If you have a big fish," she whispered conspiratorially, "You should use it to catch bigger fish."

Although the secret was not told (until now, that is) other young competitors boasted similar knowledge.

Matthew Gello, 13, of New Rochelle, has participated in the derby for nine years, winning second, third and fourth places in the past. He put the same concept simply: "the bigger the bait, the bigger the fish."

Timothy, 12, of Pelham, had a different take. 

"Patience is the best advice," Timothy said.

Nearby on the Hudson Park Wall, Carlton Jr. of New Rochelle, one of the youngest participants, personified that sentiment, settling comfortably on the wall next to his father Carlton's legs and proclaiming out loud: "I'm being very patient." 

A few seconds later, Carlton Jr. stood up again and tugged restlessly on the line of his neon green, kid-sized fishing pole. He had been patient long enough.

Sponsored by the New Rochelle Advisory Committee on Boating and Marinas, the ninth annual derby provided participants with free bait, tackle, t-shirts, water, soda, and hot dogs (participants brought their own fishing gear). The organizers of the derby also raffled off several new fishing poles. And, of course, there were prizes.

First prize trophy for the biggest fish went to Mike Costa, who caught a 10-inch snapper. The second prize trophy went to Brian Bartucco, who caught the first nine-inch snapper of the day. And the third-prize trophy went to Matthew Gello, who caught the second nine-inch snapper of the day.

Despite the trophies, the general atmosphere was one of enjoyment, not of competition, which is exactly what organizer Bob Cerreta hoped for in planning the event.

When Cerreta was a child, he fished at the Hudson Park Wall with his mother, "back when I wouldn't touch a worm," he said. Now he works to pass on a love of fishing to younger generations, including his own grandchildren, who participated in Sunday's derby.

"It's a good, clean sport," Cerreta said. "Kids need something like this, in this age and time. And it gets kids and parents together for a change."

Peter Bartucco, there with his prize-winning son Brian, agreed.

"I'm actually spending time with my son!" Peter said, when asked why he came out to the derby. Peter and Brian have gone fishing together regularly since Brian was six or seven years old.

Despite the patience and learning involved, the young participants seemed excited by the sport.

"When you catch one, it's nice to reel it in," said Angelo, 12, from the Bronx. "If it puts up a fight, it's fun."

"It's very suspenseful," said Anthony, 11, from New Rochelle. "You never know what's going to happen. You could catch a large bluefish, or a small snapper."

"Once you catch a fish," said Timothy, 12, of Pelham. "You feel like you accomplished something."

For the winners and runners-up at Sunday's derby, the accomplishment was catching a fish. For others, it was fishing for the first time, spending a day outdoors with mom and dad, and learning a lesson in patience.