HAVE SOME 'REEL' FUN AT CHILDREN'S FISHING DERBIES

April 22, 2014

Cast away 21^st century inventions and experience the joys of fishing and reeling in �the big one.� Join Cleveland Metroparks for the annual Children's Fishing Derbies on Saturday, May 17 at Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation and Sunday, May 18 at Wallace Lake in Mill Stream Run Reservation.

The Children's Fishing Derbies are divided into two age groups. Young anglers, ages 4 to 8, fish from 9 a.m. to noon while kids, ages 9 to 15 fish from 1 - 4 p.m. Kids will learn basic fishing techniques including learning how to cast at the casting challenge area. There is free coaching and guidance from seasoned anglers.

Prizes are awarded in each session for the largest trout, largest other fish caught, smallest fish caught, and best cast at the casting challenge.

The Park District's annual Children's Fishing Derbies began in 1986 and continue to provide opportunities for kids to spend more time in Cleveland Metroparks and experience the wonderful world of fishing. In the past 28 years, derbies were held at Shadow Lake in South Chagrin Reservation, Ledge Lake in Hinckley and Bunns Lake in Bradley Woods before settling at Wallace Lake and Ohio & Erie Canal in 2000.

�About 25 percent of kids are first-time fishers. And most of the adults who bring children used to fish in Cleveland Metroparks as children,� said John Rode, Cleveland Metroparks Youth Outdoors manager. �The Children's Fishing Derbies create a bond with children and nature and continue a tradition among generations.�

Live bait is provided and loaner fishing equipment is available for children who do not have their own, while supplies last. The areas are only for young anglers to fish during the derby times.

Participants should bring tackle, and a cooler and ice to store their �catch of the day.�

Day-of registration is required.

Ohio & Erie Canal fishing area is just a short walk behind CanalWay Center, located off Whittlesey Way, off the E. 49th Street entrance of Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation, between Grant Avenue and Canal Road in Cuyahoga Hts.

Wallace Lake is located off Valley Parkway in Mill Stream Run Reservation in Berea.

For more information, visit clevelandmetroparks.com

or call 216-206-1010.

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MEDIA CONTACTS:

SUE ALLEN - 216-635-3338,

sja@clevelandmetroparks.com

ALYSSA COOK-ALEXANDER - 216-635-3274,

aca@clevelandmetroparks.com