Your news Optimist Club Fishing Derby draws more than 60 anglers
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First time angler Jiyana Verghese, 6, and Harper Crizer, 4, along with their fathers, show off their catch. Verghese caught a 4¼” bluegill and Crizer caught a 5¼.” Courtesy Lisa Haring |
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Lola Capiz, 4, and her grandfather reeled in a 5” blue gill on June 4, at the Optimist Fishing Derby at Lake Park. Courtesy Lisa Haring |
The annual Des Plaines Optimist’s Club free Fishing Derby attracted more than 60 anglers to the shores of Lake Opeka on National Fishing Day, Saturday, June 4.
The blue gills, large mouth bass, and catfish were biting, as children, ages 16 years and younger, competed for prizes for largest catch.
The catch and release event drew first timer, Jiyana Verghese, 6 years old, who caught a 4¼” fish on her first cast, and more experienced anglers, such as 14-year-old Michael Kaiser, who caught the largest fish of the day, a 9½” large mouth bass. Second place winner, Curtis Young, reeled in a 6 ½” blue gill during the first hour.
“Winners were awarded their choice of either a new fishing pole or a tackle box,” said Robert Bochat, chairman of the event. “We supply the worms, over 500 shipped in fresh, the kids bring their poles, and the fish do the rest,” he said.
Anglers young and old were also treated to a hot dog lunch.
“It’s a great family event, said Chris Ladner, Optimist Club member. “We always get a good turnout.”
The Fishing Derby is one of several free events sponsored by the Des Plaines Optimist Club at Lake Park. Back for a second summer are the Free Movies in the Park, presented on the big screen at the Memorial Pavilion, select Fridays at 7 p.m. June 24 the Optimists are screening Transformers.
“With the kids out of school and great weather, the Fishing Derby is a great way to kick off the season at Lake Park,” said Jennifer Boys, assistant superintendent of Recreation for the Des Plaines Park District and Optimist Club member. No license is required to fish at Lake Park, and for those who want to get right out on the water, paddleboats are available to rent at the clubhouse, 1015 Howard Street. The scenic 18-hole par three golf course is open from 7 a.m. until dusk, and a 10-pass Frequent Golfer Card brings the cost per round to only $8.
For more information about Lake Park fishing, golf and activities, call the clubhouse at (847) 391-5730 or visit DPParks.org.
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