Essex County Youth Fishing Derbies (2018 Event Info)

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Local anglers 15-years-old and younger will get their chances to put their fishing skills to the test – and have some fun outdoors – during the Essex County 2018 Fishing Derbies.

The free series of youth fishing contests take place across the county (see dates/places below). They kick off on Saturday, April 14 and finish on Thursday, June 14.

According to a county news release:

“Sponsored by the Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, each derby is free and open to children ages 15 and younger. All children must be accompanied by an adult and bring their own fishing pole, bait, bucket and chair. Children are encouraged to bring their own fishing poles. Prizes in various age categories for catching the first and most fish will be awarded at the conclusion of each derby.”

For more information, call 973-735-6228. In case of inclement weather, cancellations will be posted on www.essexcountynj.org. Cancelled fishing derbies will not be rescheduled.

“Our fishing derbies are an excellent opportunity for our children to enjoy the historic Essex County Park System in a different and fun way,” Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. said. “You’ll have a great time creating your own ‘big fish’ stories and spending some quality time with your friends and family in some of the most beautiful parks in the area.”

The 2018 fishing derbies will be held as follows:

• Saturday, April 14: Essex County Branch Brook Park, Prudential Concert Grove, Newark. The derby will be held during the Essex County Family Day Celebration. On-site registration begins at 11 a.m., the derby begins at 12 noon and awards will be presented at 2:30 p.m.
• Thursday, May 3: Essex County Grover Cleveland Park Pond, Brookside Avenue and Runnymede Road, Caldwell/Essex Fells. On-site registration begins at 5 p.m., the derby begins at 6 p.m. and awards will be presented at 7:45 p.m. This derby is co-sponsored by the Roseland Recreation Department.
• Thursday, June 7: Essex County Irvington Park Pond, Grove Street and Lyons Avenue, Irvington. On-site registration begins at 5 p.m., the derby begins at 6 p.m. and awards will be presented at 7:45 p.m.
• Thursday, May 17: Essex County Verona Park Boathouse, Bloomfield Avenue and Lakeside Avenue, Verona. Due to the inclement weather, the Verona Park Fishing Derby has been cancelled for May 17. It has been rescheduled Wednesday, June 6. Registration will be from 5-6 pm, the derby be from 6-7:30 pm and awards will be presented at 7:45 pm.
• Thursday, May 24: Essex County Weequahic Park Lake, Elizabeth Avenue and Meeker Avenue, Newark. On-site registration begins at 5 p.m., the derby begins at 6 p.m. and awards will be presented at 7:45 p.m.
• Saturday, June 9: Essex County Monte Irvin Orange Park Pond, Center Street and Harrison Street, Orange. On-site registration begins at 8 a.m., the derby begins at 9 a.m. and awards will be presented at 11:15 a.m.
• Thursday, June 14: Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex, Orange Reservoir, Paddle Boat area. On-site registration begins at 5 p.m., the derby begins at 6 p.m. and awards will be presented at 7:45 p.m.

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File Photo: Essex County Fishing Derby 2017 (Glen Frieson)