Summit Metro Parks invites young anglers and anglers with special needs to cast a line at the park district’s annual Kids’ Fishing Derby and Special Needs Fishing Derby, presented by Wayside Furniture.
The Kids’ Fishing Derby is Saturday, April 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Anglers 15 and younger each receive a $1 prize if they catch a tagged fish, and trophies will be awarded for the three largest fish caught. Adults are not permitted to fish.
The Special Needs Fishing Derby is Tuesday, April 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Trophies will be awarded for the three largest fish caught. Only adults and children with special needs will be permitted to fish.
Both fishing derbies take place at Little Turtle Pond in Firestone Metro Park (2400 Harrington Rd., Akron). Visitors should bring fishing gear and are encouraged to bring a lunch if fishing the entire day. A limited number of rods and reels will be available for use during the derby and bait will be supplied.
After careful consideration, Summit Metro Parks is enhancing its fish stocking efforts by focusing on native species such as bluegill sunfish, largemouth bass and channel catfish. This initiative aligns with the park district’s commitment to conservation and promotion of native biodiversity. As a result, anglers participating in this year’s fishing derbies can look forward to the chance of reeling in some sizable catches!