Hooked on Fishing event another big success

NEW LEXINGTON, OH — The Perry County Gun Club Lake was the site for the 2025 version of the Perry County Sheriff’s Office Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs (HOFNOD) Youth Fishing Derby. Taking place on Saturday June 14, the event drew 189 young anglers who received a free fishing rod & reel, a HOFNOD t-shirt, and all the live bait they needed upon registering at the lake’s shelter house.

Both the fish and the weather cooperated for the entire morning of fishing that started at 7:30 a.m. and concluded at noon. In addition to the previously mentioned swag the kids collected upon registering, a free lunch consisting of hot dogs, chips, and a cold drink started at 11 a.m.

Bluegills dominated the action for the youngsters, but the 2025 event saw more fish species brought to the weigh-in booths than any of the previous years of HOFNOD derbies. Channel catfish and largemouth bass were landed by the young anglers, but so were crappies and rainbow trout.

The anglers were divided into four age based groups. The youngest group consisted of kids five years old and younger. Next was the 6 to 9 year old anglers followed by the 10 to 13 year olds. The final age group consisted of 14 to 17 year old anglers. The angler in each age bracket catching the longest fish of any species was awarded a plaque, a fishing rod & reel, and a five gallon bucket stuffed full of prizes.

A new award for the 2025 HOFNOD day was provided by the Perry County Anglers bass fishing club. A plaque, a $50 gift certificate from Whitlatch Bait and Carry-out, and a tackle bag full of fishing gear (a $100 value) were set aside for the young angler catching the biggest bass of the day.

Seven year old Payton Wallborn swept both big fish categories when a 1.78 pound bass couldn’t resist putting the bite on her silver and black Rapala floating minnow. Payton excitedly described the battle with the day’s best bass.

“It was really hard to reel in because he was jumping all over the place!” revealed the soon-to-be crowned double champion.

Payton nervously waited until the closing bell rang at noon for anglers to bring a fish to the scales. When the category champions were determined, Payton’s excitement level doubled because her bass made her a double winner. Her biggest bass of the day proved to also be the longest fish brought to the weigh-in tents.

In the youngest age bracket, Gabe Patton landed a 1.59 pound channel catfish that came the closest to taking the top honors for the day away from Payton Wallborn, the 6-9 age group champion. Gabe caught fish the entire morning, so he looks to be a HOFNOD contender for several years.

Shawn Poling also landed a catfish that led to him earning first place for the 10-13 age group. Rounding out the championship anglers was Gage Love in 14-17 years old. Gage had a 1.48 pound largemouth bass that was a few ounces from securing the big bass award.

While this day is “all about the kids” as Sheriff Barker describes the  annual HOFNOD event, it would never take place without the adults involved in the day. The Sheriff’s staff and deputies, the many sponsors, volunteers, and Perry County agencies all made up the support team for HOFNOD day. One agency, Perry County Mobility, provided free bike helmets. (Look for that story soon). Most of all, credit belongs to the many parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles who brought their kids to Gun Club Lake for a day of family fishing fun.

Special thanks are in order for the weigh-in crew who once again weighed and measured every fish regardless of its size. Jeff Redfern manned the weigh-in station on the far side of the lake while his father, Fred, managed the scales on the  side closest to the shelter house. Assisting Fred were two Ohio Division of Wildlife Officers who have made the Perry County HOFNOD derby a yearly event on their calendar. Ben Smith from Morgan County and Mark Basinger representing Perry County spent the entire morning weighing fish and providing positive reinforcement to all the young anglers.

Also in attendance was Perry County Naturalist, Jessie Bennett. Jessie had several samples of Ohio wildlife pursuits, but the biggest draw was the live gray rat snake that this writer estimated to be at least 20 feet long. Despite the differences in measurement opinions, Jessie handled the gray rat snake with ease and encouraged youngsters to pet it. No media members were seen taking advantage of this opportunity.

The Perry County Sheriff’s Office always designates an Outstanding Sportsman Award that recognizes the efforts of one adult who has been a major asset in HOFNOD day being so successful. This year’s award winner was Melanie Basinger.

Good weather, hungry fish, and free hot dogs make for a great family fishing day. However, the biggest ingredient in this successful angling recipe is the dedication of Sheriff William R. Barker and his Perry County deputies and staff members.