Getting hooked on Wildflower Lake

Henry and Dana Troka co-chaired the 2018 Grandma, Grandpa, & Me/Anglers Club Fishing Derby on Thursday, July 12.

“The first fishing derby was held in 2003, so it makes this the fifteenth,” Henry said.

Over 30 volunteers from the Angler’s Club and Grandma Grandpa, & Me worked together to create this event for the Grandchildren of Sun City residents.

Payton Klopfenstein (Mr. Tie), dressed formally for a fishing date with Grandpa Kraig. (Photo by Christine Such/Sun Day)

Cindy Ptak, president of the club, explained that prizes were awarded for the number and type of creatures caught for the day.

“Individual medals are awarded for the most fish in each species, total of all species, the largest fish overall, and the most ‘unusual or funniest’ like tires, turtles, and hats. All have been caught in the past,” Ptak said.

Dana provided some statistics of the day: “Ages 2-7 caught a total of 45. Ages 7 and over caught 86 fishes. A total of 131 fish caught and released.”

Emily Flesch, 3 years old, caught the largest fish at 18 inches. Ellen and Bob Flesch helped her reel in that catch.

Emily’s comment on her catch? “It’s gross”

Callen Kaltenbach, 8 years old, released a 6 1/2 inch Bluegill, he caught, and whispered, “Bye,” before dropping the fish into the lake.

Ingrid Kiss, a one of the grandmothers, reflected on her experiences in the club.

“I joined Grandma, Grandma, & Me in 2006 and the derby was on our first event to participate in,” she said.

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