Area senior citizens were met with a sunny morning Friday, May 19, for the annual Terry Richardson Memorial Senior Citizen Fishing Day. Senior anglers surrounded the pond to enjoy fellowship with each other, with Tyrone Borough volunteers, and, of course, to catch fish.
Fish were stocked the evening before by the Bald Eagle Sportsmen, so trout were plentiful. Food was donated by area businesses, including Kunzler & Company and Herrs, and seniors were able to enjoy a free lunch at the pavilion and snacks throughout the day.
Borough Manager Ardean Latchford was among the volunteers and said that he was glad to see so many came out for the day and said that they were already catching fish that morning.
There has been some debate regarding the rules for fishing at Reservoir Park. People sometimes take to social media to complain that adults are fishing at the local pond and that it is “just for kids.” While kids ages 16 and under are welcome to fish, senior citizens ages 65 and older are also welcome to fish at Reservoir Park during daylight hours.
A sign posted at the park had some borough residents confused as to the number and size limits of fish. They are different based on the age of the angler. Rules for fishing at the local pond include:
- Daylight fishing only
- Children age 16 and under may fish and may keep up to five legal-size fish (at least 7 inches).
- Senior citizens, age 65 and over, may fish between May 1 and September 30. They may keep
- up to three fish per day that are at least 10 inches long. Anything under 10 inches, for seniors, must be released back into the pond.
Teens and adults between the ages of 17 and 64 are not permitted to fish at the pond anytime; however, those who are helping children to fish are permitted to do so.
There were about 55 comments on a Facebook post by the Tyrone Police regarding the rules for fishing. Aside from some confusion over the rules, most residents commenting were pleased that the pond is available for fishing for seniors and children.
Ernie Dick said, in part, “Thanks again for the privilege to fish at the park. I did see a family arrive on Saturday to enjoy the lake and to watch their grandchildren fish.”
Some commented that the pond could use some maintenance and should be cleaned out, citing that it is in rough shape. Others commented that the fishing age at the pond should be raised to 18. Others mentioned that fishing around the area, for able-bodied adults, is plentiful with access to the Little Juniata River and Bald Eagle Creek.
Julie White can be reached at jwhite@thedailyherald.net.
(0)comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.