Economy Boy Wins Big on the First Day of Trout Season

Luke Holman started the opening day of trout season Saturday with a big smile. 

The 9-year-old from Economy won a first place trophy as part of annual fishing contest for children at the . The trout he caught measured 20 inches long. 

In addition to an all-you-can-eat pancake , children could enter a free fishing contest to win a trophy and prizes.

Luke's grandmother, Judy Holman, said her 9-year-old grandson and his 13-year-old brother fish every year at her Bell Acres property, which lies near the Big Sewickley Creek. The boys were fishing with their father when he snagged the 20-inch fish. 

"My rod was loose and then my dad tightened it," Luke said. 

Four children entered the contest, with Luke's fish impressing the entire breakfast crowd. He carried the trout into the fire hall with about 15 minutes to spare before the contest ended at 11 a.m. 

Many families  by spending the first day of trout at the local creek.

Ron Maccaglia of , ended his fishing expedition mid-Saturday morning with five stringed trout. Maccaglia said he actually caught 14, but threw most of them back into the river.

Troy Saracco of Bell Acres brought his 10-month-old daughter Nora to take in her first fishing experience. Nora didn't have a fishing rod, of course, but she did get an up close look at one of her dad's captures. 

Saracco, who lives just yards from the creek, said the convenience of being close by brought him to bring his fishing pole and his infant daughter to the creek.

"I just throw them back," Saracco said.