'Snapper Derby' Kids' Fishing Contest Returns To Bayside Marina

BAYSIDE, QUEENS -- Dozens of kids are slated to cast their lines into Little Neck Bay for the Bayside Marina's annual Snapper Derby this weekend.

The Bayside Anglers Group will host the 18th annual kids' competition on Saturday at the marina, where organizers said fishing experience is necessary to join in on the fun.

"All you need is patience, enthusiasm and a little luck," said Joe Oliveri, president of the Bayside Anglers Group.

Oliveri told Patch he expects to see more than 100 young anglers - many of them first-timers - at event. After years of hosting Snapper Derby, watching newbies get hooked on the sport has easily become his favorite part.

"You ever see a four-year-old catch a fish?" Oliveri laughed. "It's a very exciting thing for them."

That excitement keeps youngsters coming back year after year to the competition, where they fish for free using rods and reels loaned from the Bayside Anglers. Bait and other supplies are also provided free of charge by the Fisherman's Depot and The Angler Fleet of Port Washington.

"For a lot of them, it's the first time they've ever gotten to fish and see what it's all about," Oliveri said. "We have kids that have been coming back for years now."

During Snapper Derby, children typically cast their lines into Little Neck Bay for about an hour, though organizers can wrap it up earlier or later depending on how many fish are biting. Medals are given out to the young anglers with the most fish caught, which, Oliveri noted, can be quite a few.

"Last year we had a girl catch six or seven," he said.

Snapper Derby has quickly become the Bayside Anglers' biggest event of the year since it launched in 2000, Oliveri said.

"It's controlled chaos," he joked.

The competition has been held for the last several years in memory of Bayside Marina's longtime beloved co-operator Jimmy Miranda, who died in 2012.

This year, Snapper Derby will be held rain or shine at the Bayside Marina dock on Saturday. Sign-ins begin at 10 a.m. and fishing commences at 11 a.m. Parking will be available at Fort Totten or the east end of 28th Avenue, but visitors are not advised not to park in the Bayside Marina lot without a permit.

The Bayside Marina will be dishing out free pizza after the competition to all participating youngsters, and children's raffle prizes such as free fishing rods and tackle boxes will be up for grabs. Parents bringing their kids to the event needn't worry - There will also be adult raffle prizes, Oliver said.

"We like to give them a chance to get in on the fun, too."

Lead photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images