Despite rain, hundreds attend Hoffman Estates fishing derby
Colorful bobbers and raindrops dotted South Ridge Lake in Hoffman Estates Saturday, during the village's annual community fishing derby.
Serious rain held off for a few hours, giving hundreds of kids and adults a chance to angle for some fish, all in hopes of catching one with an orange tag worth $15 to $120.
"Everyone comes together to put this event on for the community," said Hoffman Estates Chamber of Commerce President Tricia O'Brien. "It's just a really fun morning."
The chamber has sponsored the event for two decades, with help this year from Sears Holdings Corp., Hoffman Estates Community Bank, Cabela's, Amita Health and Muller's Woodfield Acura. Members of the Regional Council of Carpenters Local 839 weighed and measured the fish and Boy Scouts Troop 290 sold bait.
O'Brien said participants are mostly from the area, but some traveled from as far away as Chicago. Many started lining up around 7:30 a.m. to stake out their spot on the lake.
"The rain kind of scared away folks," she said. "Normally we have between 300 and 400. Today maybe we've got about 250."
One of the biggest draws was a tagged fish that would win the fisherman who caught it a $1,000 shopping spree at Cabela's. Prizes were also awarded to the child and adult who snagged the longest fish.
Event announcer Paul Swanson said it didn't take long for participants to start catching fish.
"Today is actually a good day to catch fish because it's a little bit overcast and the fish have been in the lake for a while so they're acclimated to the lake," he said.
Cheryl Grisamore of Long Grove said she brought her kids to the event to get them out of the house, away from the TV and doing something they love.
"It's a good way to start summer," she said. "The prizes are great and I love that they have a raffle every 15 minutes. It's a very fun family event."
Tagged catfish were being caught by families in Palatine as well on Saturday, during the Salt Creek Rural Park District's 23rd annual fishing derby.
On Sunday, Cook County Commissioner Tim Schneider is also hosting a fishing derby at Busse Woods Grove 25 near Elk Grove Village. The free event is open to all ages, features prizes from Cabela's and runs from 9 a.m. to noon. To register, call (847) 640-1632.