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Ready for Some Reel Fun: Final Installment of the 2023 Parkland’s Youth Fishing Derby Takes Place August 12

by Ryan Yousefi August 10, 2023

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Get Ready to Have Some Reel Fun: The Parkland Youth Fishing Derby Returns June 10

Parkland Fishing Derby. {Photo by Kenneth Cutler}

By Ryan Yousefi

Grab your poles and stock up on bait for the final installment of this year’s City of Parkland’s annual Youth Fishing Derby.

Set to take place at Pine Trails Park Fishing Pier on Saturday, August 12, just like prior rounds, the Parkland Fishing Derby is open to the public and welcomes participants between the ages of 3 and 12.

Those interested in participating in the Derby must arrive before the 8:00 a.m. start time, as the check-in process will begin prior, allowing participants ample time to prepare for the Derby.

At 8:00 a.m., the sounding of a horn will mark the event’s official start, and young anglers will have until 10:00 a.m. to showcase their fishing skills and compete for various prizes.

According to Parkland Director of Communications Todd DeAngelis, the July 8 Derby drew a great deal of young and enthusiastic fishermen, and they’re expecting even more on August 12 thanks to a partnership that helps teach attendees the fishing basics.

“We are expecting a wonderful culmination of the 2023 Fishing Derby series,” DeAngelis tells Parkland Talk.

“Our partnership with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission and Bass Pro Shops has enabled the fisher students not only to maximize their chances of catching fish but to accurately identify them upon catching.”

Participants in the Derby may fish from either the pier or the shoreline, but they must avoid wading in the water due to recent alligator sightings.

Those competing are responsible for bringing their own fishing equipment and, when casting, must be cautious due to the crowded space.

Event organizers also ask that using artificial bait and lures with multiple hooks be avoided.

According to DeAngelis, the rewards for reeling fish remain as they did during the prior rounds.

“As with the first two installments of this year’s Derby, we’ll again be awarding prizes for the first fish caught of that day and the biggest and smallest fish caught (as determined by weight),” DeAngelis said.

“In addition, winners in each category will again receive a trophy and certificate, and everyone receives a medal for participation.”

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Author Profile

Ryan Yousefi

Ryan Yousefi has lived in Coral Springs for over 30 years. He has worked as a writer for multiples outlets over the years, including the Miami New Times where he has covered sports and culture since 2013. He holds a Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degree in Business Healthcare Management from Western Governors University.