“Andy & Opie” Fishing Tournament in Milton Expected to Draw Hundreds

The Andy Griffith Show-themed fishing tournament in Milton, Del. aims to bring families together for a free day of fun in the sun.

The second annual “Andy & Opie” Fishing Tournament will take place on Saturday, July 16 at Milton Memorial Park.

For more than 22 years, the Delaware B.A.S.S. Club held a family-friendly fishing tournament in Sussex County. When the event seized to exist, Techno Goober picked it up.

Frank Payton, also known as the ‘Uber Goober,’ says the organization named the tournament after The Andy Griffith Show, comparing growing up in the small town of Milton, to the town of Mayberry.

Payton says the reason for this family-friendly fishing tournament is simple…

“We think there should be more things to do for kids in the town,” Payton says. “We want as many people to come and fish as possible.”

The fishing tournament is free to the public and bait will be provided. Payton says the event is solely for the goodness of the community.

The top winners will receive trophies, fishing poles, tackle boxes and more. The event will accept the first 400 participants. Payton says you better get there early!

“I’ve had conversations with grandfathers as far as Pennsylvania!”

Payton picked the Milton Memorial Park because ‘it has always been a great fishing spot and [he] fished there as a kid.’ According to Payton, you can catch sun fish, blue gill, bass, pickerel, catfish fish, carp and more, at the park.

Event sponsors include Baker Petroleum, Bryton Homes, Milton Chamber of Commerce, Atlantic Millwork & Cabinetry, among others.