A total of 39 fish were submitted at this year’s Ben Baldwin Fishing Derby; fishermen and women of all ages joined in on the fun for the day. There were 6 species of fish represented in the watershed this year. Blue sunny skies with a slight breeze only enhanced the celebration of the fishing derby and the 4th of July weekend. Stephanie Warren and Kate Baldwin welcomed all the boats and anglers to the dock at Cate Island, with the Baldwin’s dog Bauer doing his part too. Stephanie oversaw writing down each entry and photographing the proud fishermen, and Kate assisted with measuring and defining the different species of fish. Lots of smiling faces turned up at the dock, many children with another year of growth and wisdom behind them, repeat anglers year after year. Each participant was offered a goodie bag of goldfish and pretzel sticks to make up the “fish n’ rods”. Kate describes the fish brought into the Cate Island Dock:
“It was a great turnout, and I really feel the fish this year looked very healthy and vibrant. All the fish that were brought to Cate Island for measurement were in good health and condition; none of the fish were lethargic or struggling. This makes me really happy as it shows the participants did a great job reeling in their catches and taking good care on the way to the weigh-in.”
Awards are offered for the largest fish caught, and also for a fisher who displays exemplary knowledge and care for the lake and fish. Both category winners will receive a $50 gift card to celebrate their achievements. This year’s Biggest Fish Award goes to 15-year-old Charlie Chick for his 18.875″ largemouth bass, weighing in at 2.8 lbs. The Conscientious Fisher Award will go to Whitt Peirce, who enthusiastically exemplified responsibility, preparedness, and proficiency in fish-handling. By Kate Baldwin’s account, Peirce immediately came to mind for this award:
“Stephanie and I, when we started to discuss this year’s Conscientious Fisher Award, both thought of the same boy right away. Whitt Peirce is who we both thought of without hesitation. One of the boys he was with won it last year, Shane Arnold. These boys were respectful, prepared, excellent boat operators and helpful hands, and knowledgeable about the lake and the fish they turned in. They handled the fish appropriately and all the while had so much excitement and enthusiasm. It was a joy to watch them together and witness this. Definitely put a smile on our faces and made me think of Ben. He would be 14 in July, and just the same way, excited to be fishing with a friend and driving a boat. These boys showed just what the conscientious fisher award is all about, in my opinion.”
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 2nd at 9:00 am in the Great Hall of the Wolfeboro Town Hall.
2025 Ben Baldwin Fishing Derby Entries
| Species | Fisher Age | Fish Length |
| Large Mouth Bass | ||
| Charlie Chick | 15 years old | 18 7/8“ |
| Jennifer Baldwin | Adult | 17 1/8“ |
| Tyler Bono | 12 years old | 16″ |
| Shane Arnold | 13 years old | 15 1/2“ |
| Jake Boossarangsi | 13 years old | 14″ |
| Matt Irwin | Adult | 14″ |
| Ryan Maher | Adult | 13″ |
| Cole Skowronski | 3 years old | 9 3/4“ |
| Small Mouth Bass | ||
| Kyle Bacon | 10 years old | 14″ |
| Catherine Gettens | Adult | 11″ |
| Richard Baldwin | Adult | 10 1/2“ |
| Liam Murray | 13 years old | 9 1/4“ |
| Robert O’Blenes Jr/. | Adult | 6″ |
| Emmet Battles O’Blenes | 8 years old | 5 1/2“ |
| Blue Gill | ||
| Lucas Heimiller | 9 years old | 9″ |
| Madeline Masse | 8 years old | 9″ |
| Catherine Gettens | Adult | 6 3/4“ |
| Katherine Pechinsky | 12 years old | 6″ |
| Madeline Masse | 8 years old | 6″ |
| Henry Heimiller | 6 years old | 5″ |
| Sawyer Heimiller | 3 years old | 5″ |
| Caleb Chase | 16 years old | 4 3/4“ |
| Robert O’Blenes Jr. | Adult | 4 1/4“ |
| Pumpkinseed | ||
| Mason Bibeau | 5 years old | 10″ |
| Lucas Heimiller | 9 years old | 9″ |
| Mya Ouhrabka | 4 years old | 9″ |
| Sully Oliver | 4 years old | 6 1/2“ |
| Cole Skowronski | 3 years old | 6 1/2“ |
| Lucas Heimiller | 9 years old | 5 1/2“ |
| Caleb Chase | 16 years old | 5 1/2“ |
| Mason Bibeau | 5 years old | 4 1/4“ |
| White Perch | ||
| Hayley Savley | 17 years old | 11″ |
| Jeffrey Estiverne | Adult | 11″ |
| Ryan Maher | Adult | 10 1/2” |
| Yellow Perch | ||
| Katherine Pechinsky | 12 years old | 10″ |
| Emmet Estiverne | 4 years old | 8 3/4“ |
| Willow Ouhrabka | 10 years old | 8 1/2” |
| Mya Ouhrabka | 4 years old | 8 1/2” |
| Rudy Oliver | 6 years old | 7 1/2” |
2025 Ben Baldwin Fishing Derby Photo Gallery
The WWA would like to thank the Baldwin family and all volunteers and participants for another spectacularly successful family event!