Annual Franklin Rod & Gun Club event June 6

Word has gotten out that the Franklin Rod & Gun Club, located at 53 Florence St. at Uncas Pond in Franklin, is a great place for pristine views, boating, and outdoor family fun that rivals screen time. Participation in the annual Franklin Rod & Gun Fishing Derby has grown so much in the past couple of years, the group has purchased new rods and reels, including a lot more children’s fishing poles, in anticipation, and “we’re growing the night crawlers as we speak,” says Jim Gianotti, club Conservation chair. Last year, the fishing contest, which has cash prizes for adult winners and trophies for youngsters, drew 250 participants, 

“A big part of our success in delivering a very low-cost family-friendly event for the community has been our derby sponsors and the countless hours our members put in to make the event a great experience for all,” says Gianotti. 

This year’s derby will take place on the morning of the Franklin Porchfest, June 6, from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m., with an all-you-can-eat breakfast for just five bucks, or a $3 breakfast sandwich to go for those who want to hurry up and get fishing. There will also be free homemade pizza for lunch. No license is required that day, and participants, adults ($10) and children 12 and under ($5) can have free use of bait, gear, rod and reel while supplies last.

“All 20 of our boats were out last year, and all 25 rods were used (for those who needed them),” says Gianotti, “It was a spectacular day for the kids, as many were catching their first fish. Every child who caught a fish, under 12,  got a trophy. Our helpers made sure all caught a fish.” Over 100 children under 12 fished in the derby last year, and 50 participants were aged 12-16.

The club has expanded its beach area this year, giving folks a lot more room to fish, and sponsor MRN Diagnostics is loaning a large golf cart to make the trip from the parking lot to the club house and back a little easier. “Events by Chik,” will sponsor a photo booth with pics taken by a professional, which folks can post to social media. The club has also improved efforts to preserve the health of is rainbow trout with an improved catch-and-release program that minimizes handling of the fish, thus increasing the chance they’ll survive being caught. Of course, he says, fishers can also take their good-sized catch home for dinner.

Gianotti is pleased with the growth of membership to the club, now at a strong 250 members.

“The last six months have seen the biggest growth,” he says. And members are not just from Franklin. “Bellingham has the largest member population outside Franklin,” says Gianotti.

Gianotti believes the club’s addition of a family membership has made a difference in rising interest, as adult members can bring immediate family members to access Uncas Pond.

“A lot of parents are actually joining for their kids, so they can fish in a safe area,” says Gianotti, who estimates pickleball might be the only leisure activity in town growing as quickly. 

“But who wants to run around chasing a ball when you can relax on the open water paddling a canoe or using one of our paddle boats, or have a friendly game of pool, horseshoes, darts, cornhole or ping pong. If total relaxing is your pleasure, sitting on the back deck at sunset watching the otters, osprey, fish jumping and an occasional bald eagle, then the Franklin Rod & Gun Club is for you.”

You can find out more about the Franklin Rod & Gun Club at www.franklinrodandgun.org, or visit their Facebook page!