North Point Fishing Derby: Kids Casting for Fish and Fun

Forty kids dipped their lines in the water Saturday morning for the first of two summer Youth Fishing Derbies at North Point State Park. Prizes went to first and second place competitors, ages 4-15, for largest fish caught, as well as most fish caught, in the three different age groups.

“The derby gets kids excited about fishing,” said Toni Quaty of the North Point State Park volunteers, which organizes the annual derby. “It gives them a chance to be outside and spend quality time with their parents or grandparents, and it teaches them environmental stewardship because we practice catch-and-release.”

The derby kicked off at 8 a.m. when the contestants strung out on the two fishing piers and along the shore line, excited to hook the big one. Soon enough, the young anglers began reeling them in, and as they caught a fish park volunteers would be notified, measuring and releasing the catch.

Bear Creek Elementary student Mason Bailey was there with his mother Maryjane Bailey.

“Mason just finished the Hooked on Fishing program at Chesterwood Park,” said his mom. "He really loved it so we decided to sign him up for the derby. I think fishing is good for Mason because it teaches him patience and gives him time to think. Usually he doesn't have a lot of patience, but today he has had more than me. When he lost a fish and I was disappointed he told me not to worry there was plenty of time to catch some more.”

Tyrik Williams, who claimed the largest fish prize in the 13-15 age group, traveled from Fort Washington for the event.

“I usually fish at North Beach,” said Williams. "Today I'm using blood worms. The biggest fish I ever caught was a huge rockfish. I didn't measure it, but it was bigger than what I caught today.”

Just as the 10-minute warning went out, 5-year-old James Poling, of Catonsville, hooked into a 17.5 inch catfish. Before time was up, he was able to reel it in himself and claim the largest fish prize in the 4-8 age group.

“I would really like to thank all of our wonderful sponsors without them we wouldn't be able to give out such great prizes,” said Quati. “Mars Supermarkets, The Maryland Saltwater Sportsfisherman Association, Chick-Fil-A, Midway Lumber, Fearls Bait and Tackle, Bluefins Bait and Tackle, and the Takos family. We will be putting on another derby on September 10.”