We are gearing up for the Kids’ Fishing Derby at Punderson State Park 2016! Like in previous years the event is FREE and will require pre-registration with the park, beginning on Monday, April 4th for children ages 5-15 – Please call (440) 564-2279 to register. The pre-registration is capped at 80 participants however walk-ups may be accepted the day of in case there are registrants who do not show and there is enough room to accommodate additional participants. This event is Rain, Snow or Shine! So please dress appropriately for the weather and please bring your own fishing tackle! Although Rainbow Trout will be the most likely catch (which are fresh from the hatchery) there are other species of fish in the lake also.
This year, thanks to a generous donation from Flambeau, all pre-registered participants will receive a gift to help them keep on fishing. Thanks to the Step Outside Grant, the Friends of Punderson are able to provide a gift pack for all participants. We would like to thank the Ohio Division of Wildlife for providing the fish and literature to hand out, the Ohio State Park System (Punderson) for sponsoring the event as well as Punderson Marina Concessions for being open this day and providing live bait, snacks and drinks, and Punderson Manor Resort for their support with this event, and a special voucher to help you book your next stay at the haunted mansion or in one of there recently updated cabins this summer! Hot Dog sales will help to benefit the Friends of Punderson. Donations are and new volunteers are welcome to help us organize and run other FREE events at the park throughout the year!
Scott, our local Wildlife Officer will be on hand to answer questions you may have about fishing in Ohio waters as well as may be able to provide a demonstration. Weather permitting we will also have some side activities for the little ones who are too young to fish or may not be interested in fishing with their siblings.
Awards will be divided by five age groups: 5-7, 8-9, 10-11, 12-13 and 14-15. We will be awarding the top three fish in each age group and also be awarding medals for overall largest, and overall smallest fish (these will be awarded out of all of the participants). As this event is to encourage fishing and being outdoors for all participants, who will all be taking home something for participating, in lieu of “prizes” this year, the Friends of Punderson will be providing medals, Gold, Silver and Bronze for first, second and third place, and a gold medal for overall largest fish, and a gold medal for overall smallest fish. If there is an instance where we see fit to offer an additional award (such as a tie) we will make the call and announce the award accordingly.
