“Reel” Fun at the Annual Youth Fishing Derby

The Des Plaines Park District invites all young anglers, ages 12 and younger, and their families to the annual Youth Fishing Derby at the Mountain View Adventure Center ponds on Saturday, June 8, from 9:00am until noon. Fishermen should bring their own gear; bait will be provided. This is a catch and release event: reel them in, tally and measure the fish, and then throw them back. The Izaak Walton League will be on hand for fishing demonstrations and special tips on how to land the “big one!”

“Last year, Evan Laffey, 11, from Mount Prospect, caught the biggest fish in his age group, a 15” large mouth bass, and Makayla Allen, 7, from Des Plaines, caught a 14.5” large mouth bass with a Barbie fishing pole,” said Shelli Sarg, Facilities Manager. “The largest fish, a 16.5” large mouth bass, was caught by Lyric Henry. As Henry was measuring the fish, it flipped itself back into the water, rod and all. It took great efforts on the part of Izaak Walton member, Joe Gallo, to retrieve both the fish and the rod from the pond, so it could be properly measured. The ponds are teeming with large mouth bass, sunfish, bluegills, and other fresh water species, and are hungry after the long winter season.”

Prizes will be awarded in three categories: the largest fish caught; the smallest fish caught; and the most fish caught. After the Derby, all participating fishermen and their families, are invited to a hot dog barbeque. Lunch is included in the $5 registration fee for fishermen. Each additional family member's lunch is $3.50 and includes a hotdog, chips, and soda. “Come on out for a “reel” good time” said Sarg, “and enjoy everything Mountain View has to offer.”

Early registration is encouraged. Mountain View Adventure Center is located at 510 East Algonquin Road. Free parking is available in the lost adjacent to the mini-golf course. For more information about the Derby, call 847-391-5711 or visit www.DPParks.org.