Skip’s fishing tournament, a kid favorite even when the coulee’s dry

Floyd “Skip” Thompson likes to do something nice for the kids in Lind. An outdoor event in the fresh air during the late summer.

A fishing derby seemed like the perfect event and has grown into an annual affair. Even though there’s no lakes or rushing rivers in Lind, Thompson and his crew of volunteers bring the excitement of a fishing experience to life.

This year 35 children turned out for the annual adventure, casting a line from the South Bridge in Lind into a dry motionless coulee, there for at least one day, is a rushing river if one can properly tune in their imagination.

And like any avid angler, these young fishermen soon discover that you never know what might be on the other end of the line. The kids, amid smiles and laughter, caught fresh Talapia and Smelt, cans, hubcaps, flip flops, old shoes and even a $5 bill.

The fishing derby is filled with community spirit and a number of volunteers turn up on fishing day to help make the event a success.

Norm Yonally, Jeff Sharpenberg and Greg (last name not provided) brave the rushing waters of the coulee and spend their day under the bridge facilitating the “catch.”

Gloria Yonally keeps track of the children and the derby records. Thompson and Chuck Dailey provide the trophies, fish and rods for the young anglers.

Those trophies, they go to a variety of derby participants. The top three honors go to the kids with the most fish caught. This year that was: Luis Guizar, first place; Decon Haase, second; and Aubry Mora, third.

Guizar bagged nine fish and a can during the derby. Haase caught nine fish. Mora reeled in seven fish and flip flops.

There’s a boat load of other awards too. Oliva Blake was the youngest fisherman. Taytum Labes was crowned as Best Dressed Fisherman.

Nelson Mora was the Funniest Fisherman. A determined Zander Libby earned the title of Most Motivated Fisherman.

Ashlynn Norton landed a hubcap, earning her the award for Oddest Catch.

The outing is a community event with a bit of imagination and a commitment to doing something good for the town’s children. Several sponsors donate to the activity and Thompson is joined by a variety of volunteers, all in the name of having a good time with the kids.