The Island’s youngest fish ermen were treated to a quiet, still morning last Saturday. The anglers came early to Duarte’s Pond in West Tisbury to compete in the annual spring Martha’s Vineyard Rod and Gun Club trout tournament. The club hosted the event with a large crew of volunteers. Youngsters were treated to hot dogs on the grill.

The club had stocked the pond with plenty of large trout, but it was the native pickerel that gave fishermen the best catch. Native catfish were also plentiful.

The largest fish in the tournament was a 20 1/4-inch pickerel, caught by Ethan Donovan, 12, of Edgartown. His father, Kevin, was glowing as much as his son when the fish was reeled in early in the morning.

Tony Canha, 12, caught a 16-inch trout and won first place overall.

The contest was divided into three categories; first, second and third place were awarded in each category.

Eight and under: first place, Cabot Thurber, age eight, 15 1/2-inch pickerel; second place, Mackenzie Condon, age eight, 14 1/2-inch trout; third place, Charlotte Packer, age seven, 13 3/8-inch trout.

Ages nine to 11: first place, Lacey Zinning, age 10, 16 1/4-inch pickerel; second place, Ethan Mayfield, age nine, 15 1/4-inch trout; third place, Cameron Maciel, age 11, 15 1/4-inch pickerel.

Ages 12 to 14: first place, Dennis Rose, 14, 18 1/8-inch pickerel; second place, Ryan Uva, age 12, 13 7/8-inch trout; third place, Tom O’Shaugnessy, age 12, 13 1/4-inch trout.

— Mark Alan Lovewell