The annual Ben Baldwin Fishing Derby took place on July 6th this year. Though the morning began with some clouds and drizzle, the sky cleared to beautiful warm sunshine. The hosts of the derby, the Baldwin family, enjoyed meeting the happy fishers as they visited Cate Island to have their fish measured and recorded by Emily O’Blenes. On Cate Island, fishers could enter the competition for longest fish and pick up some refreshments. Fishers and boaters could fill their water bottles and enjoy a snack of fish n’ rods (goldfish and pretzel rods).
Kate Baldwin noted the number of youth boat operators, commenting, “It puts a smile on my face seeing youth driving and operating their own boats and demonstrating responsible lake and boating behavior. Our lakes are lucky to have young adults like the ones I saw on Saturday, the future of our lakes will be better for having them around.” We want to thank everyone for coming out, and the Baldwin family for continuing to host this community event. Whether fishing entries were submitted at the Baldwin family dock or virtually, there were great catches all around!
The Baldwin family would like to offer a special thank you to Robert O’Blenes for working to revive fish struggling in small buckets. We’d like to offer a friendly reminder that especially on hot days, small buckets lose oxygen fast. It’s important to continue to change the water to ensure that fish can survive to release.
The 2024 Conscientious Fisher Award goes to 12-year-old Shane Arnold. Despite not hooking a fish during the derby, he exemplified preparedness and respect while operating his boat. For his integrity, fishing and boating ethics, and positive attitude, he will be receiving a $50 gift card. An honorable mention goes out to last year’s award recipient, Charlie Chick, who helped the Baldwin family set up at their dock and assisted other fishers with hook removals. This year’s Biggest Fish Award is presented to 11-year-old Justin Bacon for his 20.25” chain pickerel. He’s also reeling in a $50 gift card for this catch!
The Ben Baldwin Fishing Derby honors Ben Baldwin, who 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 3rd at 9:00 am in the Great Hall of the Wolfeboro Town Hall.
2024 Ben Baldwin Fishing Derby Entries
| Large Mouth Bass | ||
| Leo Fisher | 12 yrs old | 17” |
| Cole Skowronksi | 2 yrs old | 14.75” |
| Small Mouth Bass | ||
| Oliver Dopp | 6 yrs old | 15.25” |
| Emily O’Blenes | 18+ | 15” |
| Ryan Maher | 18+ | 15” |
| Griffen Dale | 6 yrs old | 14.5” |
| Richard Baldwin | 18+ | 14.5”, 12” |
| Whitt Peirce | 13 yrs old | 14” |
| Parker Skowronski | 3 yrs old | 13.75” |
| Cassie O’Blenes | 18+ | 13.5” |
| Henry O’Blenes | 7 yrs old | 11.5” |
| Shane Skowronski | 18+ | 11” |
| Charlie Chick | 14 yrs old | 8.25” |
| Madeline Masse | 7 yrs old | 6.5” |
| Karen Ouhrabka | 18+ | 6” |
| Blue Gill | ||
| Jack Ouhrabka | 3 yrs old | 6.75” |
| Whitt Peirce | 13 yrs old | 5” |
| Emmett Battles O’Blenes | 7 yrs old | 4.5” |
| Pumpkinseed | ||
| Cassie O’Blenes | 18+ | 8.25” |
| William Masse | 4 yrs old | 8” |
| Madeline Masse | 7 yrs old | 8″ |
| Jenny Baldwin | 17 yrs old | 8” |
| Quinn Fisher | 9 yrs old | 7” |
| Piper Ouhrabka | 5 yrs old | 5.5” |
| Emmett Battles O’Blenes | 7 yrs old | 3” |
| Chain Pickerel | ||
| Justin Bacon | 11 yrs old | 20.25” |
| White Perch | ||
| Robert O’Blenes | 18+ | 13.75”, 13”, 12” |
| Cassie O’Blenes | 18+ | 12.25” |
| Black Crappie | ||
| Quinn Fisher | 9 yrs old | 9”, 7” |
The WWA thanks the Baldwin family and all volunteers and participants for another spectacularly successful family event!