Toddlers and tweens gathered on Sunday for the annual Kids’ Trout Derby hosted by the Vashon Sportsmen’s Club.

The first hour was reserved for kids’ casts, but parents helped with baiting and netting. While kids learned to angle — many catch their first fish at the club’s annual trout derby — they also learned important lessons about handling, quickly and ethically killing and respecting the bounty of the marine animals.

As the young fisher Jayde Johnson Hook put it, her dad and uncle “got slime on them from the fish!”

Singer-songwriter John van Amerongen returned as the derby’s emcee. He once again brought music, home-spun wisdom and commentary for his 25th year of attending the event.

Of the 66 kids registered in the derby, 30 reeled in at least one fish.

Deliah Colbert was the grand prize winner, with an 18.5 inch, 44 ounce trout.

Ray Christopherson and Griffon Simons caught the biggest fish in the boys under six and seven to 12 age groups, respectively. Ruby Middling and Briella Greenidge won in their girls age groups.

The annual event is free for all aged 12 and under.

Mari Kanagy is a contributing journalist to The Beachcomber.

Talia Bergsen, 4, beams while carrying her very first reeled-in fish. (Mari Kanagy photo)

Riley Martinez ponders his fish while sitting on the Sportsmans Club’s huge chair at the pond by the club. (Mari Kanagy photo)

Briella Greenidge hold the fish and her prize for winning in the ages 7-12 girls competition. (Mari Kanagy photo)