(15/P48) TRENTON –A pair of fishing competitions for youngsters from grades 2 through 8 will be among the highlights at the Youth Fishing Derby to be held from 9 a.m. to 1:30 pm. at Trenton’s Stacy Park on Saturday, June 6. The Youth Fishing Derby is co-sponsored by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the City of Trenton.

The event is free, although participants must pre-register at ww.nj.gov/dep/seeds/fishingderbyreg.htm to take part.

The first 140 registrants will be able to compete in one of two competitions. Trophies will be presented for catching the first fish, largest fish, smallest fish and other categories. An awards ceremony will be held at the conclusion of the fishing derby to honor all of the winners.

“The Youth Fishing Derby is an enjoyable family event that engages children in recreational fishing, while also encouraging education about water resources,” DEP Commissioner Bob Martin said. “It’s a joy to see these kids taking part in such a fun activity and I invite all parents and guardians to come out and give their children an experience to remember.”

In addition to the two fishing competitions, there will be several interactive stations, demonstrations and displays, to educate participants about recreational fishing, water quality, aquatic plants and animals.

The educational stations will be provided by several local partners, including the Mercer County Improvement Authority and Mosquito Control Program, the Delaware River Basin Commission and the Salvation Army. 

DEP’s educational activities will be provided by Fish and Wildlife’s Hackettstown Hatchery and Hooked on Fishing Not on Drugs Program; the Urban Fishing Program; the Bureau of Freshwater and Biological Monitoring; and the NJ AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassadors Program.

All registered youths will receive a certificate recognizing their participation in the fishing derby. The “catch and release” approach will be utilized, although ice and plastic bags will be on hand if a child prefers to take home a legal-sized catch. Bass and bluegill are among species of fish in the lake. Free snacks and drinks will be available for participating children, as well.

The Youth Fishing Derby will be held at Stacy Park in Trenton, located off Riverside Drive and accessible from Lee Road just off Route 29. The event will be held rain or shine. Participants are encouraged to bring raingear in the event of inclement weather. Sunglasses, headwear, sunscreen, and additional water and snacks, are also encouraged for hot weather.

Parents and guardians are required to attend and must participate in the derby with the kids. They may fish with their children once the derby is finished. Parents and guardians must have a current fishing license if they do decide to fish.

For more information on the Youth Fishing Derby, visit: www.nj.gov/dep/seeds/fishingderby.htm