The gray sky and rainy weather did not stop people from flocking to Christ the King Lutheran Church's Fourth Annual Fishing Derby on May 9.

A total of 31 anglers between the ages of 4 and 14 registered for the event, hoping to catch as many fish as possible.

Christ the King Lutheran Church Pastor Rob Morris said 100 trout had been released into the small pond near the church the week before. With plenty of fish to catch, children excitedly made their way to the property Saturday morning.

They quickly walked around the pond to find their "lucky fishing spot," while parents and caregivers assisted them each step of the way.

After a brief announcement detailing the rules and safety protocols, Morris rang a bell that officially kicked off the derby. Families and friends went back to their spots, helping the kids cast their fishing rods out into the pond. For the next two hours, they patiently sat in chairs or stood around the pond to catch whatever they could.

Hungry attendees were also encouraged to visit the grill for egg and cheese sandwiches as they fished.

All of the fish came from Rowledge Pond Aquaculture in Sandy Hook. Event organizers also provided worms and rods to the derby participants, which came courtesy of Bounty Hunters Custom Bait and Tackle.

Participants could win any of five awards. This year's winners included First Fish Caught, Charlie Magoulas; Last Fish Caught, Casper Cooke-Casey; Most Fish Caught, Connor Casson, with 18 fish; Largest Fish Caught, Giovanna Becker, who caught a 12 inch fish; and Unluckiest, Mae Ross.

Bounty Hunters Custom Bait and Tackle also donated five rods as prizes for the award winners.

Reporter Jenna Visca can be reached at jenna@thebee.com.