Palatine Parks Presents Annual Fishing Derby
Palatine Park District presents the annual Fishing Derby on Sunday, May 3 from 8:00am to 12:00pm at Plum Grove Reservoir located on Algonquin Road near Harper College. This day of catch and release fishing for all ages includes largest fish competitions, a casting competition for kids, and raffle prizes throughout the event.
This family-friendly event has been offered annually by the Palatine Park District since 1991. For the fourth year in a row, the event is being offered in the spring, a period of the year when the fish are more apt to be biting. Fish in the Plum Grove Reservoir include Hybrid Sunfish, Bass, Channel Catfish, Perch, Carp, Bullhead and Northern. Prizes will be awarded for the largest Bass, largest Catfish, largest Northern, and the largest fish in the "other" category. The West Suburban Bass Anglers Club will be on hand to help weigh fish and assist with fishing needs. Raffles will also be held throughout the day, made possible through donations received from a variety of community organizations including the following gold level event sponsors: AMITA Health, Algonquin Longhouse, Angler's International, Cabela's, Castle Chiropractic, Daily Herald Media Group, DGAA-Drost, Gilbert, Andrew & Apicella, LLC, Epic Urgent & Family Care, Guided Path Psychological Services, Immanuel Lutheran Church and School, Loving Care Animal Hospital, Northwest Community Healthcare, Palatine Bank & Trust, Precision Dental Partners, Premier Credit Union, The Salmon Shop, SportClips-Palatine, and Sports Authority.
The $3 fishing derby entry fee is payable at event check-in on May 3. The first 200 children will receive a complimentary goody bag. All participants 16 years and over must have a fishing license. Licenses can be purchased online through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources at www.dnr.illinois.gov or locally at the Salmon Shop, 111 South Northwest Highway, Palatine.
To prepare for the derby, members of the West Suburban Bass Anglers Club will be offering a free instructional fishing class on Friday, May 2 from 5:30pm to 6:30pm. The class is for all ages and will be held at Plum Grove Reservoir. Participants will be instructed in the proper method of setting a hook, reeling in a fish, properly releasing a fish, and a wide range of other topics. Participants need to bring their own rod and reel and tackle; bait will be provided. After class, participants will have the opportunity to fish with help from the instructors. While the class is free, pre-registration is required at www.palatineparks.org using code 204310-01.
For more information, contact Todd Ranum, Palatine Park District Athletic Coordinator, at 847-496-6238 or tranum@palatineparks.org.
The mission of Palatine Park District is to provide a variety of safe, enjoyable and affordable parks and recreation facilities and activities that will enhance the quality of life by promoting good health and well-being for all residents and visitors of the Palatine Park District.