The Kids’ fishing derby will once again be happening the Saturday before Memorial Day (the 27th of May) at 7am until 10am at the Evert Pierson Kids’ Fishing Ponds. The ponds have a healthy population of hold-over fish this year and there will be a stocking ahead of the derby. This year’s fish have been making good use of the food we give them and are very big. So make sure you’re knots are top-tier.
For those who haven’t attended the derby in years past. It’s open to any kids eligible to fish the ponds (12 and under). Bait and Rods are available and provided, but you can bring your own as well! Additionally, club members and volunteers will be walking around helping out. There will be prizes for the big fish at the end as well as a give-away with some great prizes. So be sure to stop by the sign-in table when you first arrive to get your give-away ticket. Parking is plentiful in the Boulder Justice Center parking lot which is right next to the ponds.
While catch and release is encouraged, you are more than welcome to take the fish home per CPW regulations. We do recommend using barb-less hooks or hooks with the barbs bent down. It means sometimes the fish will come off easier when reeling them in, but makes it worth while when it comes to pulling the hook out of the fish or (hopefully not) someone who has gotten hooked. If you don’t know how to bend down the barbs, volunteers will be able to help out, so just ask.
For those looking to bring their own equipment but don’t know where to start: the recommended setup is a Zebco Rod and Reel combo with Trout Hooks, Swivel Snaps, Bobbers, and Power Bait Worms (the 1” ones that come in a jar). This is a fairly successful outfit that comes in at around $30-$40. An Amazon Wishlist can be found here, however most of this list is available from local stores as well (Amazon just has great photos for reference).
If you have any additional questions or wish to help out (prize donations are always welcome as well). Feel free to reach out via the contact us form under “Help Out” at the top. Looking forward to seeing everyone there!