Carp fishing derby in Lindenhurst

It isn’t the kind of carp invading Lake Michigan, but it is the kind of carp that could win you a prize.

The Lindenhurst Park District and Kiwanis Club of Lindenhurst are hosting the second annual carp fishing derby on Saturday from 8 to 11 a.m. at John Janega Memorial Park, 205 Hickory Drive. The derby is free for participants of any age. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m.

Last year, about 75 people attended. This year, Dave Mohr, the park district’s athletic supervisor, said he expects about 100 attendees.

Prizes will be given in a youth category and adult category to the anglers who catch the most carp, the biggest carp and the smallest carp. Bait will be provided to competitors.

New this year is the park district’s partnership with the Kiwanis Club of Lindenhurst, a local community service organization, that will allow for more volunteers and improved prizes, Mohr said. Winners will receive fishing-related gift baskets.

Mohr said recently installed aerators have made the park pond a good breeding environment for the carp, which spawn during this season. Instead of using methods such as releasing chemicals into the water that kill the fish, he said fishing is a more environmentally friendly way to decrease the high numbers of the species.

“We decided to make a program out of it for something that still needs to be done to control the carp population,” Mohr said.

While last year’s weather was cold and rainy, the forecast for Saturday looks sunny and dry.

“This year, being that it’s our second year, along with 85-degree and sunny weather, we’re hoping we get a better turnout,” Mohr said. “Even though 75 is a good turnout, we’re hoping for better.”