ALL INVITED TO TENTH ANNUAL FISHING DERBY SET FOR SEPTEMBER 13 – 15, 2008 AT CITY POOL
Harrisburg, PA – Mayor Stephen R. Reed today announced that the City’s Tenth Annual "Get Hooked on Fishing Derby" will be held at the Jackson–Lick Pool at 1201 N. Sixth Street during the weekend of September 13-15, 2008. The free fishing derby will be open to youth only on Saturday, September 13. On Sunday, September 14, and Monday, September 15, the derby will be open to families, seniors, and special needs groups.
The Mayor said youth attending Saturday’s special Fishing Derby will be given an opportunity to learn how to fish and catch up to two of the more than 1,100 Hybrid Striped Bass, 12 to 14 inches in length, that will be stocked in the pool. The free daylong event begins with an 8:30 a.m. registration. The actual Derby will begin at 9:00 a.m. The first 500 participants will receive gifts and will be eligible for fishing tackle combos and recreational prizes. Some of the large 16-18" bass will be tagged with the names of the Mayor, City Council members, and community leaders.
Due to overwhelming demand of participants requesting information on the proper way to clean and prepare Hybrid Striped Bass, the Capital City Bass Masters and Blue Moon Fishing Club will conduct cleaning and cooking demonstrations along with the Fish & Boat Commission handing out some of the state’s special recipes. The demonstrations will be on site, Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Saturday’s program will be structured so that either a family member or a volunteer mentor will accompany each youth casting a line. Experienced volunteers will be available to bait hooks and give lessons to beginners. The PA Fish and Boat Commission and the PA Department of Agriculture will provide youth that do not have their own fishing gear with equipment free-of-charge. The Derby will include a visit from Park C Squirrel, the famous city parks system mascot, as well as arts and crafts, and a concession stand. The derby will conclude at 4:00 p.m.
Sunday’s hours include a special family and senior citizens period from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Monday’s schedule includes reserved time periods for seniors from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. From 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., fishing will be reserved for special needs groups with advance reservations.
In all cases, there is a two-fish per person limit with a no release rule, noted the Mayor, meaning the person catching the fish keeps it.
"Our goal is two-fold," said the Mayor. "Not only do we want to encourage and educate our youth about the sport of fishing, we also want them to have an opportunity to spend quality time with a family member or other adult. With the city being blessed with the Susquehanna and Juniata Rivers and numerous creeks and streams, fishing is a lifelong avocation that gets people outdoors for healthy, enjoyable quality time to relax"
Reed said this event is sponsored by the City of Harrisburg’s Department of Parks and Recreation, and the city is joined by co-sponsors Susquehanna Aquacultures, Inc., Blue Moon Fishing Club, WHP TV-21 & UPN TV-15, The Touch 1400 AM, Capital City Bass Masters, the PA Fish and Boat Commission, and the PA Department of Agriculture.
Additional information on the Derby and advanced registration forms may be obtained by contacting the Department of Parks and Recreation’s Recreation Bureau at (717) 233-7403.
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