FREE Fishing Derbies for Westchester and Lower Hudson Valley Kids

5/21/16 - By Lisa Johnston

“I betcha’ goin’ fishin’ all the time, baby goin’ fishing’ too …”

With much respect to Taj Mahal, taking kids fishing can be an, ahem, interesting experience if they lack the needed patience. Fishing derbies, however, can be an ideal initiation to the sport. 
At a kids' fishing derby, lakes or ponds are typically stocked with easily caught fish, increasing the chances your son or daughter will have success. We’ve gathered details about some upcoming fishing derbies in Westchester and the surrounding Lower Hudson Valley — all of which are FREE!  

Looking for more tips for fishing with kids in Westchester? We’ve got you covered. If you’ve slacked on getting a license, you can also take advantage of one of New York State’s Free Fishing Days.  

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Fishing Derby – Suffern
Saturday, June 11, 2016 
9:30 – 11am
Ages 13 and under can win prizes and enjoy free BBQ at this catch-and-release derby at Foxwood Pond. You must bring your own poles, but bait will be provided.  

Fishing Derby – Middletown
Saturday, June 18, 2016
8:30am – 12pm
As part of the National Take a Kid Fishing program, the Middletown Lions Club is having a FREE fishing derby at Fancher-Davidge Park. Kids ages 5 through 15 are broken up by age for a shot at winning 26 trophies. Prizes and refreshments will be given out to all children.  

Fishing Derby – New Paltz
Saturday, June 18, 2016
8–10am 
This annual fishing derby for ages 5 through 12 is held at the SUNY New Paltz campus. Looking for something else to do while you’re in New Paltz? We have plenty of ideas.   

Fishing Derby – Circleville
June 25, 2016
8:00am – 12pm
Another derby put on by the Middletown Lions Club, this catch-and-release derby at Circleville Park will also have kids broken up into age categories: 5-7, 8-9, 10-12 and 13-15. You must have your own gear, and only worms can be used as bait.  

Kids Snapper Fishing Derby – New Rochelle
Sunday, September 18, 2016
8am – 12pm 
This derby at Hudson Park is open to kids ages 6 to 16. You must bring your own gear. FREE 

The Southern New York Fishing Derby – Multiple Locations 
January – November 
This granddaddy of all derbies is an 11-month-long rolling event that includes any public fishing waters in Westchester, Putnam, Rockland and the rest of the Lower Hudson Valley. The fee is just $10 for the entire year, which includes 11 monthly contests, a pair of two-day contests and an annual one. The Youth Fishing Contest for kids ages 4-15, meanwhile, doesn’t require registration and is FREE. Stewart Marine has all of the nitty gritty, include rules and registration forms. 

Image credit: Pixabay

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