Cooper Gilkes has been the man behind the kids' trout tournament for the past 47 years. He created it, manages it, and through the years has added some surprises.

Last year he introduced the Moby.

Moby was a whale of a rainbow trout. Whereas a very big trout might run two pounds, Moby weighed over 10 pounds. She was brought over last year by Keith Wilda of Blue Stream Aquaculture when he stocked Duarte’s Pond. Nobody caught Moby during the tournament although a few kids thought they did.

“Believe me, if you caught Moby you would know it,” Mr. Gilkes said, earlier this week at his tackle shop in Edgartown.

Sometime later Moby was found dead of natural causes, most likely old age. It takes a long time to grow that big. Like her namesake whale, Moby was battle scarred with two hooks still hanging from his body. In certain circles they still sing songs by fireside about the trout that was too big and too tough to land.

Moby 2 will arrive on Thursday or Friday when the pond gets stocked for this year’s tournament, taking place Saturday, May 4, beginning at first light. Take note, to get a good spot most arrive at the pond in the deep dark of night. Some settle in at dusk and sleep over.

Beginning Thursday, Duarte’s Pond will be closed to fishing, the better to keep the stock full for the big day. Of course, osprey don’t play by the same rules and will have two days to gorge themselves before the kids take center stage on Saturday.

The tournament is free and open to anyone 14 years or younger. This year there will be no lures allowed.

“They can be difficult in the tight surroundings,” Mr. Gilkes said.

The prizes range from bicycles to fishing rods and gear, but mostly pride is on the line for this next generation of Island fishermen. Hot dogs, donuts, coffee, hot chocolate will all be available to fuel the kids, along with the vast support network of volunteers, and sleepy parents and grandparents.

And don’t forget to keep an eye out for Moby 2 because she is certainly looking out for you.