FREE FISHING DERBY MEANS FUN FOR KIDS

March 30, 2004
CONTACT: Joy Hill or Sam McKinney (352) 732-1225

Hey kids, let’s go fishing! Spring time in Marion County means it’s time for the annual Lake Eaton Kids’ Fishing Derby at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Hunter Education Training Center in the Ocala National Forest. The derby is free for kids ages 5-12, and will be held Sat., April 10 and 17 from 8:30 a.m., until noon each day.

“We will provide everything the kids need to fish, including poles, bait, instruction and assistance. And, there’s a pretty good chance they’ll catch a fish or two since we’ll be stocking several thousand channel catfish just for these derbies,” said Joy Hill, FWC’s Northeast Region public information coordinator.

Fish and Wildlife biologists will be netting off a fishing area for the kids and will close that area of Lake Eaton to general fishing just prior to and during the derbies. For safety reasons, only cane poles provided by the FWC will be allowed. Please leave the rods and reels at home.

In addition to fishing, the kids will be able to participate in a casting contest, and an all-time favorite of derby-goers called Bugs and Critters where the kids get to wade into the lake with dip nets and learn about the bugs and critters they scoop up. And, after a morning of fishing and fun, they will be treated to lunch at the camp sponsored by Wal-Mart.

“Fishing is something all family members can enjoy together, and these derbies provide a great opportunity to introduce your kids to this fun and wholesome activity,” said Hill.

Space is limited to the first 100 participants per derby to pre-register. To sign up, call the FWC’s Ocala office at (352) 732-1225 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays.

The FWC, and its Marion County community of supporters and volunteers, have been holding these derbies for children for the past dozen years or more. This year’s derbies would not be possible without the strong support of the following sponsors: Marion County Sheriff FOP Lodge #145, Scrambletown Towing and Recovery, Conrad Tree Surgeons, Bob’s Tire & Brake, Wal-Mart (Ocala Store #697), Wal-Mart (Silver Springs Store #1847), Central Florida Dog Hunters Association, U.S. Forest Service, Silver River Marine Institute, Jerry’s Pawn & Gun, Inc., McDonalds of Ocala, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Marion County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse, Hooters of Ocala, Millers Boating Center, and the many volunteers who spend their time helping the kids during these derbies.

The Hunter Education Training Center is located about seven miles north of SR 40 off CR 314 in the Ocala National Forest. For derby information call (352) 732-1225.

JMH/