Belleville Girl Continues Her Winning Streak At County Fishing Derby

BELLEVILLE, NJ — Make that two for Sofia Guevara.

The young Belleville angler landed on top – again – at an Essex County fishing derby for local youth last week, held at the South Mountain Recreation Complex. Guevara nabbed her first fish at 6:03 p.m., eventually catching a total of five before the day was done.

The tally was good enough to earn her a spot atop the girls’ ages 6-10 category, as well as the bragging rights of “first fish in the girls’ category.”

It’s been a successful fishing season for Guevara, who also triumphed in her age group in another recent county derby, held at Monte Irvin Orange Park earlier this month. Read More: Young Belleville Angler Comes Out On Top At Fishing Derby

Essex County kicked off a series of annual youth fishing derbies in May. Sponsored by the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, each derby is free and open to children ages 15 and younger. All children must be accompanied by an adult and bring their own fishing pole, bait, bucket and chair. Children are encouraged to bring their own fishing poles.

Prizes in various age categories for catching the first and most fish will be awarded at the conclusion of each derby, organizers said. For more information, call 973-268-3500.

The last derby of the 2023 season will take place at Branch Brook Park in Newark on Saturday, June 3.

• See Related: Fishing Derbies For Kids Will Return To Essex County

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