CLEARFIELD – Pat Domico, who established Squirrel Tails for Trout, touted Clearfield County’s fishing and stocking programs during Tuesday’s regular commissioners’ meeting.
The 40th annual kid’s fishing derby will be held from 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. April 26 at Parker Dam State Park. The derby is open to any child up to and including 13 years of age.
Adults may assist their child but are reminded they will need a fishing license. The grand prize winner will receive a $50 gift card, a vintage silver dollar, a Zebco rod and reel combo and a canvas-signed trout print in full color.
Several other prizes will be awarded at the fishing derby, which is being hosted by Squirrel Tails for Trout. Bait will be provided by Terry Malloy of Jim’s Sports Center of downtown Clearfield.
“The kid’s fishing derby wouldn’t be possible without our community’s support,” said Domico. “We have been bringing in thousands of dollars for fish and awards, and it’s going to be a special year.
“It has been 40 years for our derby. I don’t know of many derbies that have lasted as long as 40 years. Every year, it seems that our derby just continues to grow and grow.”
Forty years ago, he said the West Branch of the Susquehanna River was ugly. He added that, “Today, it runs beautiful for all families to enjoy” and is used for fishing, canoeing and kayaking.
Domico said during his service on the governor’s Advisory Council on Hunting, Fishing and Conservation, he touted the use of the West Branch of the Susquehanna River in Clearfield County.
Domico said that the state Fish & Boat Commission’s Executive Director John Arway has written him in show of appreciation of his involvement in stocking and fishing programs in Clearfield County.
On April 25, a trout stocking will be held in memory of the late Robert H. Grimminger of Clearfield, who owned and operated the Bob’s Army & Navy Store beginning in 1948. The stocking will begin at 10 a.m. along the Susquehanna River near Buck’s Pizza.
“All of the Grimminger grandkids are coming in … It will be a great day to see all of these trout go in. It will be the perfect tribute to the Grimminger family,” said Domico.
Commissioner Joan Robinson-McMillen thanked Domico for being a “friend” of Clearfield County. She said the kid’s fishing derby is a wonderful day and the trout stocking in memory of Grimminger will be, as well.
“Those of us who grew up here in the 1960’s and the 1970’s remember the terrible condition of the river so many years ago,” said Commissioner John A. Sobel. “You always hear about how things were better in the ‘good old days.’
“But one thing that wasn’t better then was our river. Now, folks are able to make use of it and so well these days. I think it’s a credit to Mr. Domico and our other outdoorsmen.”
