Lines were cast, fish were hooked and memories were made as scouts from Dartmouth and New Bedford gathered at Rustic Rose Ranch in East Freetown for the third annual Fishing Derby Saturday, May 3. 

“It's a great chance for the scouts to show off their fishing skills, have some fun and bond with their peers and family,” said Edward Nickerson, cubmaster of Pack 74 in Dartmouth, who started the event three years ago. He said the event was inspired by the memories he has of fishing with his dad growing up. 

Alongside catfish, sunfish and a large perch, kids "caught" moments of joy playing side games like the Penny Drop, fishing for rubber ducks and even pretending to be fish themselves in a gummy worm challenge.

Prizes were handed out for a variety of achievements, including the longest, heaviest and smallest fish, and Nickerson’s favorite, the “Bird’s Nest” award, given to the scout who “fights through a tough time of fishing troubles and still has a good time.”