The free fishing contest will take place on the shores of Sand Springs Lake Park, located at the intersection of Park Road and North Lake Drive. This fun contest is open to children ages 4-12 accompanied by an adult parent/guardian.
Parents are strongly encouraged to pre-register their children online at www.sandspringsfishingderby.com or by picking up registration forms at the Case Community Center, Sand Springs Wal-Mart Sporting Goods, and Woody’s Bait and Tackle located at the Sand Springs Expressway and 209th West Avenue. All contest information and rules can also be found in these places or on the website.
Check-in and on-site registration begins at 7:30 am. with fishing action slated to begin at 8:00 am. Prizes will be awarded for 1st-3rd place in each age group following the 11:30 am weigh-in deadline. Age groups are 4-6 yrs; 7-9yrs; 10-12 yrs. Participants must catch (hook) and land the fish, with no help from adults. Adults may only help with casting and removing the hook. Adults and kids will also have the chance to win prizes simply by attending the derby.
Kids who want to fish should bring their own fishing pole, line, hooks and/or lures. Woody's Bait & Tackle will be providing worms and minnows. Kids wanting to try their casting accuracy should enter the casting contest (on land). The contest will be in the grass just yards away from the registration pavilion.
This will be the 23rd Annual Fishing Derby on Sand Springs Lake. This is the first year for Church That Matters to host the event. Pastor Rusty Gunn says it’s all about the kids and our community. “It's great to help these youngsters get a taste of fishing through this event, and we're excited to take over this event for the community. There's simply no replacement for good, clean, family-oriented fun like this. This MATTERS! We are thankful for the 23 years of great tradition of this event that has most recently been carried on by the American Legion along with the great staff at the Sand Springs Parks and Recreation Department." stated Gunn.
Judges will call for kids to weigh-in and present their biggest fish, smallest fish and biggest turtle Throughout the morning, with the last catch of the day being allowed for weigh-in at 11:30 a.m. The weigh in deadline could be changed if needed due to weather or other important factors.