Get Ready to Have Some Reel Fun: The Parkland Youth Fishing Derby Returns June 10 — Parkland Fishing Derby 2022. {Photo by Kenneth Cutler}

By Ryan Yousefi

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

The second of this year’s three planned Fishing Derbys take place on Saturday, July 8, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the Pine Trails Park Fishing Pier.

The open-to-the-public event is designed specifically for participants between the ages of 3 and 12 and welcomes kids looking to get their first taste of competitive fishing.

According to the City of Parkland, no experience is necessary to participate in the Fishing Derby, but those participating must bring their own fishing rods and bait to join the fun.

“The Youth Fishing Derby is a fun, relaxed, and recreational event that the City holds on three dates every summer,” Parkland Director of Communications Todd DeAngelis tells Parkland Talk. “In many cases, we have kids who are catching their very first fish at the Fishing Derby.”

DeAngelis said this year’s Youth Fishing Derby won’t be short on awards, with Biggest Fish, Most Fish Caught, and Smallest Fish Caught among the accolades kids will be going home with at the conclusion of the event.

DeAngelis believes that the event, although not the largest organized by the city, is significant in terms of the smiles it brings to children’s faces.

“This event isn’t about the trophies; it’s about the fun,” DeAngelis said.

Those that are interested in participating in the Derby must arrive prior to 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 official start of the event, and young anglers will have until 10:00 a.m. to showcase their fishing skills and compete for various prizes.

The next Youth Fishing Derby is scheduled for August 12. For more information on the event, call the city’s special event hotline at 954-757-421 or visit the city’s website at cityofparkland.org/1230/ADA-Notice

Send your news to Parkland’s #1 Award-Winning News Source, Parkland Talk. Don’t miss reading Tamarac Talk, Coral Springs Talk, Coconut Creek Talk, and Margate Talk.

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.