Weekend fishing derbies attempt to lure youth to sport

The Hoffman Estates chamber’s fishing derby, scheduled for Saturday, has 15 years of history of youngsters ditching morning cartoons for fishing poles and bait.

This weekend, the event will have some company. Cook County Commissioner Timothy Schneider for the first time is hosting his own fishing derby Sunday at Busse Woods.

Neither event will require a fishing license, as from Friday through Monday, no one will need a license to fish thanks to this year’s Illinois Free Fishing Days. The promotion is an attempt to lure new fishers into the state’s waters.

That’s why Cabela’s, the store that specializes in outdoors gear, agreed to be the lead sponsor for the Busse Woods derby even though its only a day later than the Hoffman Estates event it also sponsors. Diane Schneider serves as a community liaison for the Hoffman Estates store. Last week, she said, she was across the border in Lake Geneva, Wis., representing Cabela’s at a fishing derby there because that’s when Wisconsin had its own free fishing days.

Diane Schneider, who sits on that village’s chamber board and who is also the sister-in-law of Bartlett Republican Timothy Schneider, remembers fishing for the first time with her father when she was 9.

“It’s a fun family tradition,” Diane Schneider said. “It’s a very inexpensive experience that you can share with your kids at any age.”

Timothy Schneider said he wants to give residents a chance to see what the Cook County Forest Preserves have to offer.

“I just thought it was a nice opportunity to allow the families of the district and Cook County to enjoy time with their families and their children out in nature,” he said.

Both Schneiders said not to worry if you don’t own fishing equipment. A limited supply of gear will be available for those who can’t bring their own.

The key for successful derbies is weather.

Thunderstorms scared the fish the day before last year’s derby in Hoffman Estates, keeping them at the bottom of the lake. That was bad news for Cabela’s, which would like to post photos of cute children holding their catches. In Hoffman Estates, the derby gives out door prizes every 15 minutes.

“We want them to win,” Diane Schneider said.

She said that Cabela’s already worked with the forest preserve through a youth program called Fishin’ Buddies, so it made sense to team up again for Sunday’s derby. Prizes for largest fish and even slimiest fish will be awarded.

Saturday’s derby goes from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at South Ridge Lake Park, 1450 Freeman Road in Hoffman Estates. Sunday’s derby goes from 9 a.m. to noon at Busse Woods Grove 25 south of Higgins Road between Schaumburg and Elk Grove Village.

For more information, email diane.schneider@cabelas.com.