2019 Kids Fishing Derby set for Saturday, May 25

The 24^th Annual Kids Fishing Derby kicks off Saturday, May 25, with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m. and fishing between 9 and 10:30 a.m. Lots of prizes will be awarded at this free event in the various age groups. This is a wonderful way to get outdoors for some family fun!

Children and grandchildren (ages 3 to 15) of Landings residents along with their guests are invited to participate. The Kids Fishing Lagoon is located behind the firehouse near the intersection of Westcross and Log Landing roads in Oakridge.

This always is an exciting event which promotes sportsmanship, conservation, and provides a terrific community experience. Each child must be accompanied by an adult at all times to ensure their safety.

Once again, the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) Skidaway Chapter is providing a complimentary CCA Youth Membership to each family that participates. Young anglers will benefit from the fishing and conservation stories contained in the award-winning Rising Tide magazine that CCA publishes quarterly.

Participants should bring fishing gear and bait (if possible), as well as insect repellent, a drink, hat, sunscreen, folding chair, and shoes with good support. Crickets can be purchased at Bandy’s Bait Shop, located by the community boat ramp just beyond the Diamond Causeway Bridge (often referred to as Skidaway Narrows Bridge). Don’t forget, PetSmart on Abercorn Street sells mealworms.

Complimentary poles and bait will be available on a first come, first-served basis. Members of the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) Skidaway Chapter will be on hand to give assistance and instruction as needed.

CCA’s multi-decade long history of stocking the Kids Fishing Lagoon indicates that this may be a banner year for the Derby. At the 2018 Derby, a total of 582 bluegills, two bass, and one turtle were caught, with all 120 kids catching at least one fish. For about one-third of these youngsters, it was their first time fishing. Big smiles and squeals were heard as the kids touched the worms and crickets and released all the fish back into the lagoon.

This event is made possible by CCA volunteers, along with Landlovers, CBE Group (Ginna Carroll, Jill Brooks, Pat Ewaldsen) of The Landings Company, Southern Motors Honda, The Omelette House, Bass Pro Shops, Southside Builders, The Landings Association, KIWANIS, Zebco, Synovus Bank, Friends of Leonard DaCamara, CCA, along with individual and business tax-deductible donations.

Thanks to The Landings Association’s (TLA) support and the efforts of several photographers, you can experience prior “Derby Happenings” and print out pictures of your choice by going to The Landings Association’s Website (www.landings.org/photo-gallery). You can print the photos as well as save them by right-clicking on the image and saving it to the pictures area of your computer.

The rain date for the 2019 CCA Annual Free Kids Fishing Derby is Sunday, May 26, with registration from 2:30 to 3 p.m., fishing from 3 to 4:30 p.m., and prizes at 5 p.m.

For more information on the CCA Kids Fishing Derby, pick up a flier at the Landings Association Office (600 Landings Way South) or call Tom Rood (598-9753).