DARTMOUTH — For 35 years, a free fishing tournament for kids has brought families, bait, bobbers and plenty of smiles to a small pond in Dartmouth.

The 35th annual “Get Hooked on Fishing, Not Drugs” fishing tournament was held at Mello’s pond on Saturday, June 28. Every year, the Knights of Columbus and area sponsors coordinate the free tournament to create a healthy, fun and outdoor event for youth. The tournament gives kids ages five to 16 everything they need to cast out and compete for trophies.

This year, organizers Ed Viveiros and Bob Peckham said 48 kids participated in the tournament.

All of the fishing gear, live-bait, snacks and water was provided. At 7 a.m., youth dropped their bobbers and tried to catch enough fish for a trophy in the categories of largest fish, and most fish by weight. 

Kyle McConnell, a Dartmouth resident, was on the banks of Mello’s Pond with his son, Cole Pontes, 7, on Saturday. McConnell said he would fish at the tournament with his father when he was Cole’s age.

“It's my first time in a long time. The last time was probably, I don't know, 15 years ago,” McConnell said. “You go and poke around and there's a little spot over here. Then you poke around and there's more people over there. It's nice to see people coming out for it.”

McConnell was happy to see families out enjoying the tournament, and also — a fishing spot tucked away in a patch of reeds all for themselves.

“My favorite is the largemouth bass,” said Cole, as he casted out another line.

Mello Pond is on private property owned by Mathew Mello, who inherited the land after the passing of his father, Bob Mello, who started the tournament. Mathew Mello continues to allow the annual event to commence on the small, quiet pond tucked away off of a dirt road on Old Westport Road.

Sage Nicholson, 7, has been an avid angler since she was two years old. On Saturday, she returned to the tournament she’s won trophies at in years past. This year was no exception. She won first place in the girl’s category for largest fish, with a 2.2 pound largemouth bass.

When Sage sinks a hook and catches a fish, she feels “happy” and when she is waiting and reeling, she’s “bored,” Sage said with a giggle.

The event was held in memory of the inaugural organizers, Dartmouth Police Lt. Ken Cotta and Bob Mello. The tournament is organized and sponsored by the Knights of Columbus-Fr. John F. Hogan Council. Subway and Coca Cola provided food and beverage.

Levi Bourassa, 7, a Dartmouth resident who fished at the tournament, used a small silvery bait-fish called “shiners” to reel in his catches of the day.

“Yeah, I'm surprised. It was like, right there,” he said, pointing to the shallow bank where he caught a bass. “It was in the shallow end. Usually bass go in the deep end — but not this one.”

Viveiros, a long-time organizer, said every participant goes home with a prize at the end of the tournament. At about 10:00 a.m., kids and parents that were posted at spots all around the pond were called in for the awards ceremony.

Along with awarding trophies, Viveiros said more than 95 prizes were raffled off to the 48 youth anglers. Prizes included new fishing tackle boxes, lures, poles and Subway gift cards.

“Seeing those smiles, it's awesome. It's priceless to see those kids doing it and having fun,” said Viveiros, who is a Knights of Columbus member and Dartmouth resident.