Derby kids make impressive catches
By Anita Peltonen
Lightning strikes were forecast, so Mike Savastano called to strike down the tents early on May 1 at the annual Tony Savastano Memorial Kids’ Fishing Day.
Despite the nasty weather — rain, fog, chilly air — about 55 kids participated in the 27th year of the fishing derby at the Cold Spring Reservoir on Fishkill Road, held in memory of Mike’s father, who founded the event after retiring from a many-faceted career that included steamfitting.
That’s only half the attendance high-mark of recent years. But those who came got smashing results. As Accuweather and many anglers concede, rain can make for better fishing. The overall winner was Haldane School student Desirea Hyatt, 12, who caught the biggest fish — an 18 1/2 inch rainbow trout. Niamh Fortuna, 11, also a student at Haldane, had the smallest fish, at four inches.
The water was stocked with trout for the event: mostly rainbows, but a handful of goldens, too.
The moss-covered rocks along the reservoir waters were bright green in the steady rain, and the outtake sluices filled with whitewater. Hot dogs and beverages were served, and prizes such as fishing rods given away.
Organized with the help of the Nelsonville Fish and Fur Club, the event is supported by donations from an assortment of backers, including the Town of Philipstown, the Village of Nelsonville, the Village of Cold Spring, Harold Lyons & Sons, The Gift Hut, Pidala Oil, C&E Paint Supplies, Powers & Haars, Mid-Hudson Concrete, the Cold Spring Boat Club, North Highland Engine Co. No. 1, the Philipstown Masonic Lodge, the Cold Spring Fire Department, American Legion George Casey Post No. 275.
Also, Wilson Multipower Oil Co., the Philipstown Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Joe Torchia, Buggsies Pest Services, Nelsonville Salvage (Dutch), Angelina’s, Cold Spring Pizza, the Cold Spring Water and Sewer Department, Bob Simon, Jane Rist, Foodtown, Joseph’s Fine Jewelry, Rich Losee and the Putnam County News & Recorder.
“We wouldn’t be able to do it if it weren’t for local support,” said Savastano.
