20th annual youth fishing derby to take place Saturday

— Children ages 15 and younger are welcome to get hooked on fishing at the 20th annual Jacksonville Youth Fishing Derby.

The derby will take place on Saturday at the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation Shooting Sports Complex, 2800 Graham Road in Jacksonville.

Dana Rozenski, recreation programs supervisor for Jacksonville Parks and Recreation, said each participant must bring bait and a fishing pole.

Registration will begin at 7 a.m., and the derby will begin at 8 a.m.

There is no fee to participate.

“There will be lots of prizes given away at the derby. Some of the prizes will include passes to Splash Zone, fishing equipment, pool toys, backpacks and camping stuff,” Rozenski said.

Special prizes will be awarded in multiple categories, including the youngest participant, oldest participant, most fish caught, smallest fish caught and longest fish caught, Rozenski said.

“I enjoy watching the reactions on the kids’ faces when they catch ‘the big one,’ especially younger children,” she said. “I also enjoy seeing the older kids participate because many of them have been coming to our fishing derby for several years.”

The event typically has a large number of attendees, she said, and participants can expect to have a good time in a relaxed, noncompetitive environment.

“The fishing derby is important to the community because it gets families outdoors where they can spend time together. It also allows kids to be introduced to something new because some of the kids who participate in the derby have never fished before,” she said. “This gives them an opportunity to find a new hobby.”

Rozenski said the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission stocks the lake the day before the derby, and once the lake is stocked, it will close until the derby begins at 8 a.m. Saturday.

Jennifer Martin, community center supervisor for Jacksonville Parks and Recreation, said the derby brings families together in a fun and safe environment.

“It helps kids learn about fishing and learn how to do it for themselves,” Martin said.

Martin’s 10-year-old daughter, Jayden, has attended derbies in the past.

Martin said her daughter likes the competition but enjoys the time they spend together as a family the most.

“I enjoy fishing, so for me it is great, and the time spent with my daughter is, of course, priceless. She has learned it is not always the biggest fish that wins!”

Martin said the derby allows members of the community to learn more about the Jacksonville Parks and Recreation Department while spending time with their families.

“After the derby, families are encourage to stay around and fish,” Rozenski said.

Staff writer Kayla Baugh can be reached at (501) 244-4307 or kbaugh@arkansasonline.com.

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