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	Fortson Mill Pond Kids Trout Derby
	Ahh... the horn goes off, and my dad is frantically trying to get my brother and me to cast our little bobbers out on the water.  Yeah, its another colder than cold fishing derby at Fortson Mill Pond. Since I was four years old, my family (My dad is one of five siblings, so all of us cousins were there) made it out to fortson mill pond for the annual kids fishing derby.  The derby is hosted by the Darrington volunteer fire department.  My dad would drive us out there the night before, and camp us right by the waterfall where the old railroad tracks go over the stream.  Handfuls of families would be there camping it out too.  We would stay up and eat hot dogs by the fire, then the adults would send us off to bed.  Laying in my tent, I listened as my dad and aunt/uncles got drunk (probably to Schmidt, my dad's favorite).  Then slowly, I would dose off. Eventually, my dad would be up around 5 am to start the fire, and get us kids ready to go.  We were always so groggy, but my dad was always the most excited to get us going out there to the pond.  He always wanted to be one of the first ones at the pond, so we could pick out the best spot.  So, we grabbed a small bite to eat, and grabbed our fire red tackle boxes.  We trudged along for about a 1/16th of mile across the railroad bridge crossing, which always scared me, since I felt I was going to fall through the railings, and up to the pond.  The pond has three main areas to fish from.  One side is the big wall, which when I was a kid did not have a railing, which stuck out of the water nearly eight feet.  To the left of the wall is the grassy embankment, where trees loom over the water, reaching out and grabbing your flying bobbers.  And across the pond from the wall is the floating dock areas.  Over time, that area has fallen apart and now no one really fishes there.  My dad always chose the grassy embankment.  I dont really know why, because he had a short temper, and I guarantee my brother or I would snag at least once in those looming trees, and then he would be cussing and griping, yanking the pole out of our hands.  We didnt mind really, it gave us a chance to get some hot cocoa while he battled the tree. So every year the horn from the fire departments truck goes off, signaling the start of the derby.  It usually goes off right at sun up.  From the instant it goes off though, dozens of bobbers and lures go flying out in to the pond.  Some parents cast for the kids, and some parents sit back and watch the amazing criss cross of lines and snags.  If you are lucky, your bobber lands straight ahead, and no other bobbers interfere.  Thats when the fun begins.  Almost immediately the bobber will start bouncing from one of the many planted trout.  My dad was the kind who always had his eye on our bobber, and would yell if we werent watching carefully.  My hook setting was never quite enough for him though, as he always had to come up, and help me give that rod a powerful yank.  I swear today that he was trying to set the hook on a 5+ Largemouth.  I'm sure a few of those fish got hooks yanked right out of their lips. If you have kids try to remember that they dont have the skill to reel quite like you do.  I remember fighting the reel more than I did the fish.  Those classic Zebco's were a real trick especially if you reeled with the reel upward.  But pulling in the fish is probably some of my most detailed memories as a child.  If you were fast enough, you could run your fish up to the booth and win a prize. The funny thing is that I caught the largest fish my first year of the derby, back in 1985, when I was four years old.  I won the grand prize, and took home a new pole, tacklebox, net, and many lures, bobbers, and fishing line. And now, I take my two beautiful boys fishing there.  We are the only ones who camp there overnight, and each year the trail seems to get a little more weedy and over grown with blackberry bushes.  But we push the car back to our favorite spot, hunker down, and get the fire going.  Smores is a must, and of course a blazing fire.  More times than not, we have been rained on, but it is late April, up in the cascades.  But, I'm sure my kids will remember the derbies, just like I have. The Darrington Fire Department stocks the lake, and awards prizes, all on their own dime.  Donations are always welcome though.  They are very friendly, and make sure every child leaves happy. Fortson Mill Pond is located about 24 miles outside of Arlington, along Highway 530.  The age limit is Under 15, but they allow parents to help the younger ones (its funny my four year old out casts some twelve year olds).  For more info PM me, or call the Darrington Volunteer Fire Department at 360-436-1182.  I guarantee your kids will have a blast. Yes, you have to give up your opening weekend (at least Saturday) of fishing, but fishing with your children is priceless... Have a blast! Sauk River Trading Post - Derby Info
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	Posted by: SnohoBassGuy Posted: 03-02-2009, 09:51 PM Categories: Family, Trout Fishing