In the quiet river town of Derby, where the Ohio River's gentle current has long whispered stories of local legends, a new chapter unfolded last weekend. The 1st Annual Bob Thomas Big Cat Youth Fishing Tournament drew young anglers from across Perry County to the Derby General Store on September 27, turning a simple stretch of water into a proving ground for skill, patience, and hometown pride. Organized to celebrate Indiana's Free Fishing Day, the event waived license fees and focused solely on catfish catches, inviting kids as young as 3 to test their lines against the river's giants.

The tournament kicked off at 7 a.m. with check-ins buzzing under the morning mist at 15351 Old State Road 70.

Divided into age groups—3–6, 7–10, 11–14, 15–17, and 18–19—participants followed strict Indiana fishing regulations to ensure fair play and safety, with weigh-ins open until midnight. By Sunday afternoon, September 28, families gathered back at the store for the 1 p.m. awards, where prizes were awarded for the biggest catfish in each category. The overall champion also earned the honor of having their name engraved on the Bob Thomas “Big Cat” Hall of Fame Plaque at Derby General Store, a permanent tribute to a beloved local figure whose tales of massive hauls still circulate among Derby’s old-timers.

This wasn't just about the fish—it was a lifeline for Perry County's youth in a place where structured activities can be scarce.

With schools like Perry Central focused on academics and sports, events like this fill gaps by offering hands-on experience in fishing fundamentals while bonding over shared anticipation. For rural families facing tight budgets, the no-cost entry on Free Fishing Day opened doors that might otherwise stay shut, fostering a sense of belonging in a county of about 19,000 where community ties are the real currency.

The Derby General Store, as lead sponsor, stepped up to host, injecting life into a local business hub and reminding residents that small investments in fun can yield lasting returns.

The ripple effects extend to Perry’s broader challenges.

Economically, tournaments like this spotlight the Ohio River's role in tourism and recreation, potentially drawing visitors to Derby’s docks and boosting spots like the General Store amid a shift from factory work to outdoor economies. On safety, the event's emphasis on rule enforcement modeled responsible angling, a quiet win in a region where water access demands vigilance against currents and weather.

As Perry County navigates infrastructure needs, like better riverbank maintenance, stories from the water underscore why these spaces matter: they build confident kids who grow into stewards of their slice of Indiana.

While exact attendance figures remain unclear without a full recap from organizers, the enthusiasm was palpable, with local pages lighting up post-awards.

This inaugural outing sets a high bar for future years, proving that in Perry County, a rod and reel can cast farther than the horizon—straight into the heart of what keeps small towns thriving.