The Ben Baldwin Fishing Derby, which took place on July 2nd, had a great turnout this year despite some rainy weather. Despite the intense rainfall all throughout the day, lots of smiles and fun was had in this year’s derby. Those who showed up genuinely seemed happy to see the size and weight of their fish. The hosts of the derby, the Baldwin family, enjoyed each and every crew of fishers who pulled into their dock on Cate Island to have their fish measured and entered into the competition for longest fish. There were lots of young proud faces, and a showing of many of the different species of fish that live in Lake Wentworth. Kate Baldwin said, “It is always so wonderful to see the happy smiling faces that show up year after year, rain or shine. Rich and I feel it is a great way to honor Ben’s love for the lake and fishing with his buddies and family. We are so happy to host this event, it is truly heart-warming”.
A water bottle filling station and snacks of goldfish and pretzel rods (fish n’ rods) were available for participants who made the trip out to the island. Participants were able to participate in person or submit entries virtually due to weather. The Baldwin family looks forward to this event every year and would like to thank everyone who participated, volunteered, and showed their support and love for fishing. It is truly a family run event- Jenny wrote down all the entries and fish data, while Kate and other family members helped to dock boats as they came in to handle and measure the fish. We hope that anyone who did not reel in the big one or one at all will keep catch and release fishing. We hope to see your entries next year.
The 2023 Conscientious Fisher Award goes to 13-year-old Charlie Chick of Wentworth Park in Wolfeboro, NH. Charlie will be awarded a $50 gift card to Cabela’s for demonstrating the best fishing ethics and boating safety at the weigh in dock. The Biggest Fish Award goes to 10-year-old Henry O’Blenes of Wentworth Park in Wolfeboro NH. Henry is also being awarded a $50 gift card to Cabela’s this year for his winning fish! A special honorable mention to Pranav K., who caught a 19” large mouth bass. Ben loved fishing and the outdoors. He cared deeply for the lake he lived on and all the wildlife that depend on it. Please take care of our resources to preserve what we have for many years to come. Trophies, medals, and gift certificates will be given out to fishing derby participants under the age of 18 at the Wentworth Watershed Association’s Annual Meeting, which will take place on August 5th at 9:00am in the Great Hall at the Wolfeboro Town Hall.
2023 BEN BALDWIN FISHING DERBY ENTRIES
LARGE MOUTH BASS
Pranav K 19”
ROCK BASS
Catherine Gettens, 17yr old 9”
SMALL MOUTH BASS
Henry O’Blenes, 10yr old 15 ½” 1.79 lbs
Jenny Baldwin, 16 yr old 15” 1.65lbs
Robert O’Blenes Sr. 18+ 14 3/8” 1.28lbs
Savo Ftorek 14yr old 13 7/8” 1.13lbs
Whitt Peirce, 12yr old 13 ½” 1.11lbs
Cassie O’Blenes, 18+ 12 7/8”
Karen Ouhrabka, 18+ 10 ½”
Oliver Heimiller, 7yr old 9 ½”
Lucas Heimiller, 7yr old 9”
Charlie Chick, 13yr old 8 ¾” .30 lbs
Leo Fisher 11yr old 4 ½”
BLACK CRAPPIE
Robert O’Blenes Jr. 18+ 14 1/8” 1.27lbs
Lucas Heimiller 7yr old 13 ½”
Quin Fisher, 8yr old 6”
BLUE GILL
Leo Fisher 11yr old 10”
Madeline Masse 6yr old 8 ¼”
Henry O’Blenes, 10yr old 6 ¼”
PUMPKINSEED
Oliver Heimiller, 7yr old 8 ½”
Mary Gettens, 18+ 8”
Quin Fisher, 8yr old 7”
Lucas Heimiller, 7yr old 5 7/8”
YELLOW PERCH
Andrew O’Blenes 18+ 8 ½”
Cassie O’Blenes 18+ 8”
Madeline Masse 6 yr old 4”