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The Franklin Rod and Gun Club, a nonprofit community group that has been in Franklin for nearly 80 years, will host its annual fishing derby on June 3.
Located on scenic Uncas Pond, the derby is open to all ages and will run from 7AM to 2PM. Adults ($10) and children under 12 ($5) can fish for all or part of seven hours and can receive prizes for the biggest fish caught at the end of the day. The club will provide rods, reels, and bait while supplies last and offers shore fishing from the beach, our dock, or folks can use a limited number of boats, canoes, and kayaks.
There will be raffles available and all kids under 16 will receive a fishing trophy. An all-you-can-eat breakfast will be available from 7-11AM for an additional $5 that includes eggs, pancakes, home fries, sausage, and pizza will be provided for lunch free of charge for all in attendance.
“This is a beloved annual event we’ve been putting on for decades and it’s amazing to see all the families who come out year after year for a day of fishing,” said Club President Jim Gianotti. “Nothing beats a child catching their first fish, so we look forward to seeing everyone enjoying nature and having fun.”
Uncas Pond was recently stocked with almost 2,000 rainbow trout courtesy of the state Department of Fish and Wildlife, but anglers can also catch bass, pickerel, catfish, and sunfish. There is also a public boat launch that can be used for those with small, non-motorized fishing boats.
This year’s fishing derby coincides with a period of growth for the Franklin Rod and Gun Club.
After nearly three years of the pandemic, people are not only flocking back to in-person events but they’re also looking for new social outlets to reestablish a sense of community. Membership has spiked dramatically over the last 6-12 months to the point that, last year, club members voted to increase the maximum membership capacity to accommodate new applications.
There is currently room for about 50 new members, who will be able to enjoy year-round access to the facilities, Uncas Pond, gun safety and training courses, and the three-lane indoor pistol range in the basement.
However, Gianotti said the club offers far more than just a place to shoot.
“We are proud of our long history of promoting responsible firearms ownership, but that’s only part of who we are and what we do,” Gianotti said. “We have folks who fish, practice archery skills on our double-tiered outdoor bow range, participate in our weekly game nights that include golf, bowling, pool, cornhole, and darts, and plenty of people who just want to catch the big game with friends. It’s truly a community hub.”
Membership is $125 per year (with a one-time $75 initiation fee for new members) and anyone interested can visit franklinrodandgun.org
for more information.
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About Franklin Rod and Gun Club
Incorporated in 1936, the Franklin Rod and Gun Club Inc. is a nonprofit, private sporting club located on Uncas Pond and is one of the oldest active organizations in Franklin, Massachusetts. The goals of the club include conservation and enjoyment of our natural resources and the promotion of responsible fishing, hunting, and boating activities in accordance with local, state, and federal environmental and wildlife regulations. Learn more at franklinrodandgun.org.
