The price of fish makes fishing derby pricey

Fish are getting downright pricey.
As city officials plan for the annual fishing derby at Page Park, they’re trying to figure out how to cope with the soaring cost of stocking the pond.
Park Director Ed Swicklas said the city paid $1,700 for the fish in 2001, but costs have escalated so much that getting the same number of fish today will cost about $2,900.
With labor and other expenses on the rise, he said, holding the derby will cost nearly $4,000.
The Pequabuck River Watershed Association, which stocks the river with brown, rainbow and golden trout every fall, recently complained that fish prices have tripled in the past dozen years.
Swicklas said the city is looking for contributors who might help defray the cost of the event.
He said the Bristol Fish and Game Association has donated $500 toward the event’s tab for many years, but the money doesn’t go as far as it once did.
The 57th Annual Perry J. Spinelli fishing derby for youngsters 13 years of age and under is slated for Saturday, April 26 at the Page Park lagoon, which was recently dredged. It is held from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Prizes are awarded in many different categories, ranging from smallest fish to largest fish.

Here's a notice from the city about the upcoming fishing derby:

57th ANNUAL PERRY J. SPINELLI FISHING DERBY

The 57th Annual Perry J. Spinelli fishing derby for youngsters 13 years of age and under will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2008 at the Page Park Lagoon from 7:00 to 10:00 a.m. This very popular event for youngsters from the Bristol/Forestville area is being co-sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Department and the Bristol Fish and Game Association. Many local fishing experts are expected to be on hand to give suggestions and tips on how to catch the big one. Prizes will be awarded in many different categories ranging from smallest fish to largest fish. The rules for the fishing derby are as follows:

1. No fishing at Page Park Lagoon until 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 26th. All participants must obtain a Fishing Derby Permit on Saturday, the 26th at the control station on the deck of the Page Park Pavilion. Permits will be issued from 6:30 a.m. on.
2. Participants must be residents of Bristol/Forestville 13 years of age
or younger.
3. Each youngster may use only one pole, one hook, one bobber, and
any legal bait. (Live bait may be used.)
4. Artificial Lures are not allowed during the derby.
5. Gang hooks are strictly forbidden.
6. Parents may assist in casting only. Youngsters must land their own fish.
7. Catch limit is 3 during the derby, and daily after that.
8. No pets are allowed near the pond.
9. All fishing must be done from the shore. No one will be allowed to enter the water at any time.
10. Prizes will be awarded at the conclusion of the derby. Winners will be announced at 10:15 a.m.
11. The decision of the Judges will be final.

Each participant must obtain a fishing derby permit. Permits will be issued beginning at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 26th at the control station on the deck of the Page Park Pavilion. Permits must be worn at all times while fishing at Page Park.

After the derby, youngsters aged 15 and under may fish at the Page Park Lagoon daily. For further information please call the Bristol Parks and Recreation Department weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at 584-6160.

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Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com