While the turnout wasn't an especially large one, beautiful clear skies and brisk winds greeted those who came to catch the big one at the Jaycees Trout Derby, located off Ohio 125 at Turkey Creek Lake Saturday.

Charles Hammond, of the Portsmouth Area Jaycees, said people came from a lot of different places to fish.

“They're coming from all over the state,” he said. “We have people here from Hamilton County, Meigs County, a lot of places.”

The highlight of the day seemed to be the weather.

“The weather has really cooperated this year,” said Kim Hall.

Hammond said he remembered when it hadn't cooperated.

“I remember in 2005, it was snowing, raining, there was even a thunderstorm in the middle of the night,” he said.

Most of the fun was found in the children's area, where some 500 of the 2,432 of the fish were introduced into the water Friday.

Drew Hubbard had caught his limit of five by early afternoon and was headed to the measuring station, near the boat ramp.

“We're definitely going to get these measured,” Drew said as he handed his bucket to his grandparents. “And I'm going let them eat them.”

Five-year-old Stefan Johnson, of Portsmouth, said he is allergic to fish, but only if he eats them. He is fine with catching them.

“I used power bait and caught a fish,” Stefan said.

His brother, Nathaniel Johnson is 4, and he has plans for the fish. “We're gonna eat it,” he said, as his mother, Kim Johnson agreed.

Kevin Bradbury, regional manager of Shawnee State Park and Adams Lake said the fishing for the day had been successful for most anglers.

“This has been a great day. The kids are pulling fish out like crazy,” he said.

Jody Hayslip, of West Portsmouth, had caught one fish and was waiting until later to go after her last four.

“My dad is coming in from Columbus and we're going to fish some more,” Hayslip said.

Again this year the Jaycees measured the fish, and Life Ambulance provided food.