Kids can reel in big fun and fish at Cleveland Metroparks annual Children's Fishing Derbies.
Young anglers, ages 4 to 15, can enjoy a day of free fishing fun, while learning fishing basics on Saturday, May 16 at Wallace Lake in Mill Stream Run Reservation in Berea and on Sunday, May 17 at Ohio & Erie Canal in Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation in Cuyahoga Heights.
The Children's Fishing Derbies are divided into two age groups. Young anglers, ages 4 to 8, can fish from 9 a.m. to noon. Ages 9 to 15 fish from 1 to 4 p.m. Each session includes some basic fishing techniques and fishing derby contests. Youth can also learn how to cast and test their skills at the casting challenge area. There will be plenty of free coaching and fishing guidance from seasoned anglers, too.
Prizes will be awarded in each session for the largest trout, largest other fish caught, smallest fish caught, and best cast at the casting challenge.
Live bait is provided along with free informational material. Loaner fishing equipment is available for children who do not have their own, while supplies last. The areas are being specially stocked with rainbow trout and channel catfish for the derbies. The areas are only for young anglers during the derby times.
Participants should bring tackle, and a cooler and ice to store their �catch of the day.� Registration is day of event only.
Wallace Lake is located off Valley Parkway in Mill Stream Run Reservation, south of Bagley Road in Berea - west of the I-71/Bagley Road exit.
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 Heights. - just off the I-77/Grant Avenue exit. For more information, visit clevelandmetroparks.com or call 216-206-1010.
SANAA JULIEN -216-635-3229,
sej@clevelandmetroparks.com
MARJORIE THOMAS - 216-635-3204,
met@clevelandmetroparks.com
-30-