WILLOW CREEK — The 30th annual Homan’s Pond Kids Fishing Derby will be held Saturday, June 12, from 7:00 AM to noon, the Recreation Commission announced this week.
The derby, which has been a Willow Creek tradition since 1996, is open to children ages 4 through 14. Prizes will be awarded in three age categories (4-7, 8-11, 12-14) for the heaviest fish caught, with an overall “Biggest Catch” trophy for the single largest fish of the day — typically a pickerel, though the occasional bass has taken the prize.
“This is one of those events that reminds me why I’m glad I moved here,” said Julia Chen, who has volunteered at the derby since she opened Northwoods Outfitters. “The kids get so excited. Some of them have been practicing in their backyards for weeks. They show up with their little tackle boxes and their favorite lures, and they take it very, very seriously.”
The derby is catch-and-release, except for fish that are kept for the weigh-in. Light refreshments will be provided by the General Store. Bait and basic tackle will be available for children who don’t have their own equipment, courtesy of Northwoods Outfitters.
Participants must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is free and can be done at the pond on the morning of the event.