ESPYVILLE – The Pymatuning Lake Association will hold its popular Kids’ Free Fishing Derby on Aug. 1-2 at the Espyville Boat Launch, located at 10737 N. Lake Rd., Linesville, Pa.
The fishing derby is open to all kids ages 2-15. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2.
The Pymatuning Lake Association is a non-profit organization, with memberships for individuals and businesses, and they support programs and activities around Pymatuning Lake.
Since 1945, they have partnered with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to preserve the lake and promote the Pymatuning Lake area.
Some of their projects have included the PLA putting a playground in at Tuttle Campgrounds, as well as a swing set at the playground on the Ohio side.
They’ve also installed handicapped accessible ramps, held shoreline cleanups and have a yearly project of making fish habitats on the lake.
The Kids’ Free Fishing Derby is an annual, two-day event. Families can register online at https://www.pymatuninglake.org/kids-fishing-derby or tinyurl.com/KidsDerby in advance, or in person at the event. If pre-registering, families can pick up their child’s wristband at the registration table on the day of the event.
Kids will be given a mini tackle kit with bobbers and hooks, thanks in part to donations.
There will be seven prize categories for bass, carp, crappie, walleye, bluegill, catfish and perch. There is a limit of one fish per species, and the fish must be of legal size and alive. Fish are released back into the lake after they are measured.
There are prizes awarded in three age groups, 2-5 years; 6-10 years; and 11-15 years. Limit one trophy per child.
The PLA solicits donations from local businesses and holds a Chinese auction at the derby.
Kids receive a free lunch both days.
All fish must be checked in by 1 p.m. Sunday. Trophies will be awarded after 2 p.m. on Sunday.
A casting contest begins at 12:30 p.m. Sunday.
Learn more about the PLA at https://www.pymatuninglake.org/
