Newark Children Have 2 Chances for Fishing Derby

Newark children will have two chances to participate in the annual Essex County Fishing Derby at both Essex County Branch Brook Park Lake and Essex County Weequahic Park Lake, officials announced.

The annual derby is free and open to children ages 15 and younger. Participants must be accompanied by an adult and bring their own fishing poles, bait, bucket and chair. Prizes will be awarded in all age categories for catching the first and most fish at the conclusion of each derby, county officials said.

On Saturday, April 20, the derby will take place at Essex County Branch Brook Park Lake (near the Prudential Lions), located at Park Avenue and Lake Street, Newark. On-site registration begins at 10:30 a.m. and the derby begins at noon. Awards will be presented at 2:30 p.m.

On Saturday, May 18, the derby will take place at Essex County Weequahic Park Lake, located at Elizabeth Avenue and Meeker Avenue in Newark. On-site registration begins at 8 a.m. and the derby begins at 9 a.m. Awards will be presented at 11:15 a.m.

 “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 N. DiVincenzo 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,” he added, “I invite everyone to come out, cast their lines, Experience Essex and take a look at the improvements we are making to revitalize our parks,” he said.

The derbies, to be held rain or shine, kick off on Saturday, April 20 at Essex County Branch Brook Park Lake (near the Prudential Lions), Park Avenue and Lake Street, Newark. On-site registration begins at 10:30 a.m. and the derby begins at noon with an awards presentation at 2:30 p.m.

The remainder of the fishing derby schedule is as follows:

• Saturday, May 4: Essex County Grover Cleveland Park Pond, Brookside Avenue and Runnymede Road, Caldwell/Essex Fells. 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. Derby is co-sponsored by the Roseland Recreation Department.
• Thursday, May 16: Essex County Verona Park Boathouse, Bloomfield Avenue and Lakeside Avenue, Verona. On-site registration begins at 5 p.m., the derby begins at 6 p.m. and awards will be presented at 8:15 p.m. 

For additional information, please call (973) 735-6229.