Annual Kids Fishing Derby set

special to The Star

April 11, 2008 12:17 am

— The 7th Annual Kids Fishing Derby will take place Saturday, April 19, at Q.V. Sykes Park. Registration will begin on site at 7 a.m. until 7:50 a.m., with fishing beginning at 8 a.m. This anticipated event will introduce kids from ages 5-17 years old to the great sport of fishing. Parents will have the opportunity to teach their children an appreciation for a fun leisure activity that can be a part of their lives for a lifetime.
The Meridian Parks & Recreation Department has teamed up with the two Super Wal-Marts, Coca Cola Bottling Co., the Meridian Fish Hatchery and the Dept. of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks to give the kids of Meridian and surrounding areas a day of fishing fun. A number of fish will be tagged for prizes that are up for grabs.
Several studies have shown that a child who doesn’t fish before his 14th birthday will not fish as an adult. That is why it is important to introduce a youngster to the joys of fishing at an early age.
Many adults love to fish, however, this day is all about the children. Adults are there only to teach and assist when needed. They are to bait hooks, retrieve lures lost in the brush and help remove fish from the hooks, offer advice and help keep the kids safe.
Refreshments will be served to all registered participants. Kids will need to bring their own rod and reels, bait and a responsible adult.
For more information, please call Mary Quince at the Meridian Parks and Recreation office at (601) 485-1805.