Roy McCoy roy@robconews.com Robertson County News HEARNE - The Robertson County News hosted another successful Fishing Derby on Saturday, October 26, at Eastside Park - better known to many as Ruben Gomez Park - in Hearne. The weather couldn’t have been better, with cool air and clear skies setting the tone for a perfect day by the water. A few hundred people showed up for the event, which has become a favorite local tradition. The morning hours were reserved for the kids, giving them the first chance to drop a line and see what they could catch before everyone else joined in at noon. And catch they did - plenty of big catfish were pulled from the pond throughout the day, with lots of excited shouts and smiles from proud young anglers showing off their catches. There weren’t any contests or trophies this year, but the focus was on fun and community. For many kids, it was their first time fishing, and with a little help from volunteers, they didn’t stay beginners for long. Members of the Brazos Valley Thin Blue Line Foundation were on hand to help set up poles, bait hooks, and offer encouragement to anyone who needed it. Their help made the day smoother for parents and a lot more fun for the kids. The Fishing Derby is something Robertson County News has organized and it’s always made possible thanks to local sponsors who buy ads in the paper’s special Fishing Derby section each year. Their support helps cover the costs and keeps this community favorite going strong. By the end of the day, the park was full of laughter, families, and stories about “the one that got away.”