Gear up for Kids Fishing Derby next month

BY Dawn Rankins

For over 30 years, the Canyon Lake Bassmasters Club has encouraged Canyon Lake’s kids to fish the lake by holding its annual Kids Fishing Derby. Kids, ages five to 15, are being invited again this year to participate in the hugely popular fishing derby on Sept. 18.

The 34th Annual Kids Fishing Derby will once again award trophies, prizes and a free lunch to those participating. The kids with the largest fish will win a trophy as will those with the most fish caught by weight.

All the participants need to do to sign up for the event is to show up on Sept. 18 between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. at Holiday Harbor Park. Parents must register and sign a consent form in order for their child to participate. Live worms will be handed out at registration while supplies last.

Little Kinsley Hoffman poses with the several of the massive fish she caught at the previous Canyon Lake Kids Fishing Derby. Her total catch of 28.44 pounds won the girls competition. After taking off last year, the Kids Fishing Derby is back this year and will take place Sept. 18. Friday Flyer File Photo.

Kids can begin fishing anywhere on the lake after they register until 11:00 a.m. The weigh-in for fish is from 11:00 a.m. until noon. Those not in the weigh-in line by noon will not be eligible for trophies and prizes.

Up to three fish per species may be counted in the weigh in, but bass are excluded from being weighed and should be released back into the lake.

A complimentary hot dog lunch will be served at noon at the snack bar.

Awards will be presented at 1:00 p.m. Trophies are awarded for three different age groups: 5-7, 8-11 and 12-15. A “Big Fish” trophy in each species will be awarded to one boy and one girl.

Each of the participants will receive one ticket for a separate prize drawing and every child will go home with a prize.

The Canyon Lake Bassmaster Club is a non-profit organization and all donations are tax deductible. The club is seeking individuals and businesses that are interested in sponsoring the Fish Derby. If interested, they should contact Jude Donahue at 909-215-5005.