By Beth David, Editor
More than 20 children participated in the Acushnet Lions Club annual fishing derby at the Lake Street recreation area in Acushnet on Saturday, 6/6/26. Kids won trophies for largest fish and most fish caught. The event has been held for more than 35 years
Adults, however, did not let the lack of prizes for them get in the way of some friendly competition. Ernie and Billy had their own contest going on, measuring their fish by how many widths of the boards on the dock they were. They kept trading places, with Ernie’s fish finally measuring more than three boards.
“He just saved himself twenty bucks,” said Billy.
Meanwhile, the kids were catching all kinds of fish. Russel St. Pierre won the prize for biggest fish with a 2.5 pound, 18-inch long bass.
Aria Lenz took the prize for most fish caught, with 11; her brother Ethan, had second most with 10; and Brice Sylvia caught eight to get third place.
“Every kid caught a fish,” said Acushnet Lion, Joe Costa.
Raffle prizes included fishing poles, tackle boxes, and gift certificates for ice cream.
Children had to have their own poles and tackle, the Lions supplied the bait. Mr. Costa, said bait was donated by John’s Bait & Tackle, Gary’s Best donated 100 hot dogs, Dee’s Dogs donated the chips, and Acushnet Creamery donated gift certificates for on kiddie cone. Raffle prizes were also donated or bought by the Lions. The event was completely free for participants.
Mr. Costa gave a quick rundown of safety measures (be careful casting near the road) and encouraged participants to patronize the businesses that donated. He noted that the new barriers along the road made things a bit safer.
The Lake Street recreation area is at 104 Lake Street, Acushnet, and offers hiking trails, fishing, a small ramp for launching small boats, a picnic area, and parking. The water is part of the New Bedford Reservoir system, and the city and town have reached an agreement allowing Acushnet to work on weed remediation. The pond is not safe for swimming, and the fish should not be eaten. It is still, however, a tranquil, easy to reach area to teach small children to fish.
The parking lot is not paved but is well maintained. Restroom is a portable toilet.
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- Joe Costa poses with the winners of the Acushnet Lions Club annual fishing derby at the Lake Street Recreation Area on 6/6/26, L-R: Mr. Costa; Russel St. Pierre, biggest fish; Ethan Lenz, second most fish caught; Aria Lenz, most fish caught; Brice Sylvia, third most fish caught. Photo by Beth David.
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- Colton Hughes hangs onto his raffle prize as he picks the next raffle ticket during the Acushnet Lions Club annual fishing derby at the Lake Street Recreation Area on 6/6/26. Photo by Beth David.
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- Kaylee Nephew holds up a Black Crappie she caught, while her brother, Conner, shows his support, during the Acushnet Lions Club annual fishing derby at the Lake Street Recreation Area on 6/6/26. Photo by Beth David.
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- Aria Lenz holds up a perch she caught during the Acushnet Lions Club annual fishing derby at the Lake Street Recreation Area on 6/6/26. Photo by Beth David.
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