June 11, 2026
Prizes ranging from fishing poles to tackle boxes were given to children and teens in three separate age groups for those who caught the largest fish at the Richwood Lake Park on Saturday. Pictured above, prized poles sit on display next to a memorial for George “Soapy” Showalter, whose namesake has been attached to the event since his passing in 2024. Below, a young attendee shows off one of his catches during derby action. (Photo submitted)
Richwood has strong turnout for Hooked on Fishing event
From Gazette staff reports
Despite some thunderstorms around noon on Saturday, over 70 children and parents came to Richwood Lake Park for the annual George “Soapy” Showalter Hooked on Fishing derby.
A reported 76 children from preschool age to teenagers fished for several hours at the lake prior to Saturday’s storms. The largest sunfish caught was a 7-inch bluegill. Hundreds of fish were caught, measured and then released back into the lake.
Prizes were given in three age groups for the largest fis…
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