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Youth Fishing Derby at Iroquois National
Wildlife Refuge and Jamboree returns To celebrate National Fishing and Boating Week, Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge is sponsoring its 15th Annual Youth Fishing Derby, on Saturday, June 5 at Ringneck Marsh, off Oak Orchard Ridge Road. The free event is open to youths 17 years old and under, no experience necessary. An awards ceremony and door prize drawing will follow. On-site registration starts at 7:30 a.m. No pre-registration or reservations are required. Participants need only sign up and pick up a free fishing grab bag (while supplies last). Fishing is from 8 a.m. to noon. Prizes will be awarded to participants for the biggest fish caught in three age categories: 6 years and under, 7-12, and 13-17 years. Bring your own tackle and a lunch. If this is your first time, some bait and fishing gear will be available to borrow. A complete list of derby rules is available on the website: http://iroquoisnwr.fws.gov or by calling (585) 948-5445. Sponsored by the Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, Inc. and the Northeast Region of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Wal-Mart of Batavia, this event recognizes that fishing is one of the six priority public uses on national wildlife refuges, in accordance with the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997. The derby is also registered as a Wal-Mart Kids All American Fishing Derby event. This event generally attracts over 100 children. Volunteers are needed to identify, measure, and record the fish caught, take pictures, and to staff the registration table. Call the refuge at (585) 948-5445 for information. Youth Fishing Jamboree returns Former Sport Fishing and Aquatic Education Program (SAREP) instructors Clark Gricius and Margo DiLella from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Region 8 are revitalizing the Youth Fishing Clinic/Derby on June 12 at DEC's Avon Office pond. Children ages 6 to 16 are invited to learn about, and try, fishing and learn about aquatic ecology principles. Workshops will include aquatic sampling, fish ID, knot tying, casting and other fishing techniques, along with safety tips. Following the morning instruction, youngsters will be eligible to participate in a fishing derby, trying out their newly learned skills. Participants are encouraged to bring their own tackle, but some will be available for loan. Worms will be provided or anglers can use artificial lures. No live minnows allowed. The event will take place rain-or-shine. Bring a lunch or buy it from the Avon Anglers youth group. The fee for the Jamboree is $3 per youth, $6 maximum charge per family and accompanying adults free. Events will be held at DEC's Region 8 office, 6274 East Avon Road (Routes 5 and 20), one mile east of I390 exit 10. Registration is at 8:30 a.m.; workshops begin at 9 a.m. and run until noon. 12:30 p.m.- Group Activity - Chutes and Ladders - make like a Salmon and move upstream. Can you survive?; 1 p.m. - Youth Fishing Derby/Fish Prints/Fly Tying; 3 p.m. - prizes awarded. The DEC will waive fishing license requirements for adults supervising youth at the Jamboree. |