The Island’s big fishing event for youngsters, the Martha’s Vineyard Trout Tournament, is into its 35th year. Each year hundreds of our young Island fisherman vie for the many prizes and gifts that are made available to the winners of the various fishing categories. This year, it’s May 9, and as always it’s at Duarte’s Pond.

Since the 1970s the Martha’s Vineyard Rod & Gun Club has put on this eagerly awaited one-day trout fishing tournament in May for the children of the Vineyard. The club purchases thousands of trout and the volunteers stock Duarte’s Pond. After enjoying hot dogs and cocoa under the tent beside the pond, the children are presented awards and prizes. Many of the club’s current members fished in this tournament as children. Now they are baiting the hooks for their children.

Vineyard shops and friends donate many fishing accessory items, as well as food, for this day’s event. Stop & Shop of Edgartown has supplied the hot dogs, rolls, soft drinks and cocoa; paper goods come from Cash and Carry; and Dippin Donuts is supplying those delicious sweet treats for this year’s event.

Put Saturday, May 9, on your calendar and meet at Duarte’s Pond for your children’s catch of the season. Get there early and pick your favorite fishing spot.

Anyone wishing to help, please call Cooper Gilkes at 508-627-8202.