The Fishing Derby has been an annual event for over 15 years. It started as a dream of one of our members, Doyle Carter who believed that we could contribute to a child’s positive self-image through this activity. Children 2-12 are divided into three age group. They are allowed to fish and release for 45 minutes and we keep track of the length of fish they catch. Trophies are given to the first, second, and third place winners with the most inches caught in each age group. The smiles on the faces of those children are priceless and they tell us to return each year to do this event. On the second weekend of June every year, the Michigan DNR offers a free fishing weekend. We hold our event on the Saturday of that weekend. No Recreation Passport or fishing license is required. We provide poles and bait. Sometimes children bring and are allowed to fish with their own poles.
In 2026, the event will be held on June 13, 2026 from 9 AM to 12 PM. Watch for flyer and registration link after May 1, 2026. This is a free event but registration helps assure us we have fishing supplies, T-shirts, and a prize bucket for every participant.
Fishing Derby Rules
- Use bait provided. No other bait allowed. No lures allowed.
- Only the child is permitted to fish. Casting help is allowed and provided by volunteers if needed. Children are also helped with baiting and removing the fish.
- The staging area is the starting point for all. No prepositioning is allowed. Go to the water when your age group is called.
- Late registrations can compete if your age group has not finished fishing yet.
- You must compete in your age group only; there are no exceptions. You can only win trophies in your age group.
HAVE FUN!!!!!!!!