Some came just to fish, others merely to relax, and then there were those poised to catch the big one, but in all, over 250 came down to Tihonet Pond on a sunshine-filled morning for the annual Wankinquoah Rod and Gun Club Fishing Derby.

“We’re having a great time here. My daughter and I stumbled across it once. That’s how we found out about it. She’s the fisherman,” said Andrew Yahner of Wareham as his daughter Olivia was already enjoying some sushi aside the pond at around 9 a.m. “She’s sticking with the theme.”

Young angler Noah Moreno, 15, from Bourne, who was in his second year at event, said that fishing is something he takes very seriously.

“Fishing is my life. It’s mostly all I want to do,” he said. “It makes me relaxed. I’m happy when I fish. I’ve been doing it since I was four years old.”

As noted, there were also those who weren’t so devoted to fishing, but who showed up just to enjoy the event held on the property of A.D. Makepeace, who partnered with the Rod and Gun Club in organizing the fish-off.

“We come out (fishing) once a year for this event,” said Jackson Gillman, who fished with his son Avery, 11.

Some of the fishermen and women present chose to fish from the shore, seeking out the best nooks and crannies around the pond for the best spots, or in many cases, those with the most shade. Then there were those who chose to bring boats of all shapes and sizes, including kayak and canoe rentals available on the property at Nemasket Kayak’s new location there.

“We do this every year—my father and my two boys,” said Michael Souza of Tiverton, RI. Michael caught a large mouth bass that as of around 10 a.m. that was the biggest fish caught on the day at four pounds, one ounce. His son Ryan also had a brought in a nice catch weighing in at a little over a pound.

“Last year, they didn’t have much over three (pounds), maybe three and change,” said A.D. Makepeace Associate Director Mike Houdlette. “Nothing over four.”

Houdlette said they were very pleased with the turnout, as well as the conditions for the event, which started at 6 a.m.

“You can’t beat this—it’s been a beautiful day,” said Houdlette, adding that over 60 people had signed up online prior to the event. “We’ve seen some old friends, and there have been a lot of new ones—a lot of first timers.”

Houdlette commended all of the volunteers who helped with the event, including some younger kids.

“There’s been six or eight moms and dads helping out. That’s been nice—thankfully.”

“We’re lucky. We got a good day for this,” said Brad Holmes, a member of the Rod and Gun Club who was one of those responsible for weighing the fish at one of two weighing stations as they came into shore, mostly off of the many boats out on the pond.

All proceeds from the event were to benefit the Wankinquoah Rod and Gun Club Youth Group.

“That’s a big one,” said Holmes of the four-pound bass caught by Souza.

In the Adult Bass category, first place went to Mike Souza with his fish of four pounds, one ounce. In second was Bobby Mahan with a bass of three pounds, 15 ounces, and in third place was Bobby Mahan at three pounds, 13 ounces.

In the Adult Pickerel category, first place was awarded to Wilfred Ouellette with a catch of four pounds, 2 ounces. Coming in second was Dan Perry with a pickerel of three pounds, 13 ounces, and in third was Cullen Gustafson at two pounds, 15 ounces.

The Youth Bass category saw a first place tie between Annie St. Jean and Anthony Petersen, both catching two pound, 13 ounce fish. In second was Peter Hinko at two pounds, six ounces, and in third was Beau Vasconcellos at two pounds, five ounces.

For Youth Pickerel, Hinko took first with a fish of three pounds, 10 ounces. In second was Mike Barrows Jr. at two pounds, three ounces, and in third was Olivia Yahner at one pound 14 ounces.

And in the Youth Panfish category, Noah Hempel took first, Jacob Siversten second, and Keith Baker took third.