Annual Lisle fishing derby this weekend

For Lisle-Woodridge firefighter Joe Pawlisz, the best part of the fishing derby his union sponsors each year is seeing a 3- or 4-year-old catch that first fish.

"They're so excited about it, it's like they caught Moby Dick or a great white shark," said Pawlisz, derby chairman.

Preschoolers -- and kids up to 14 years old -- can become anglers for a day Saturday as the firefighters union and Lisle Park District host the 20th annual Fishing Derby.

Children, with help from a parent or other adult, can drop their lures from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lisle Community Park, Route 53 at Short Street. Kids can register for $8 each beginning at 6 a.m., and they're welcome to fish for all or any part of the day.

Organizers are stocking the pond with bass, bluegill, sunfish, carp, catfish and bullhead. Prizes for the biggest catches of different species will be awarded hourly. At the end of the day, the biggest catch in each category will earn a plaque that the winner can have engraved. The biggest catch of the day will win a trophy.

Pawlisz says he enjoys working the derby because it allows him to connect with the community in a different way than his day job does. Firefighters are there to help, but usually see people's worst times, Pawlisz said.

"It's kind of nice to be able to help families get together," he said.

Mike Toohey, recreation supervisor of the Lisle Park District, plans to attend the derby for the first time, and his brother-in-law and nephew are coming to fish, he said.

"I think it's great that the firefighters union and the park district work together to bring this great event," Toohey said.

Pawlisz says the event is a good chance to get families away from television and computer screens and out in nice weather.

"Take a chance," he says, "enjoy your family and see what the park district has to offer."

If you go

What: Lisle-Woodridge Firefighters Union Fishing Derby

When: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday; registration begins at 6 a.m.

Where: Lisle Community Park, Route 53 at Short Street

Cost: $8

Details: For boys and girls ages 3 to 14, accompanied by an adult

Info: (630) 964-3410 or lisleparkdistrict.org

As derby chairman, Pawlisz works with a few fellow firefighters to publicize the event, collected donated prized and buy a few more rewards for the children who catch fish.

"We've been doing it 20 years, so it practically runs itself," Pawlisz said.