Fishing Derbies Coming to Essex Parks

Children are invited to cast their lines in lakes and ponds around Essex County, as part of a family fishing derby series taking place beginning April 14. 

“Our fishing derbies are an excellent opportunity for our children to enjoy the historic Essex County Park System in a different and fun way,” stated Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. “You’ll have a great time creating your own ‘big fish’ stories and spending some quality time with your friends and family in some of the most beautiful parks in the area.”

Sponsored by the Essex County 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. Prizes in various age categories for catching the first and most fish will be awarded at the conclusion of each derby.

The fishing derbies will be held as follows:

• Saturday, April 14: Essex County Branch Brook Park Lake (near the Prudential Lions), Park Avenue and Lake Street, Newark. On-site registration begins at 10:30 a.m., the derby begins at noon and awards will be presented at 2:30 p.m.
• Saturday, May 5: Essex County Grover Cleveland Park Pond, Brookside Avenue and Runnymede Road, Essex Fells. On-site registration begins at 8 a.m., the derby begins at 9 a.m. and awards will be presented at 11:15 a.m. Derby is co-sponsored by the Roseland Recreation Department.
• Thursday, May 17: Essex County Verona Park Boathouse, Bloomfield Avenue and Lakeside Avenue, Verona. On-site registration begins at 5 p.m., the derby begins at 6 p.m. and awards will be presented at 8:15 p.m.
• Saturday, May 19: Essex County Weequahic Park Lake, Elizabeth Avenue and Meeker Avenue, Newark. On-site registration begins at 8 a.m., the derby begins at 9 a.m. and awards will be presented at 11:15 a.m.
• Saturday, June 9: Essex County Monte Irvin Orange Park Pond, Center Street and Harrison Street, Orange. On-site registration begins at 8 a.m., the derby begins at 9 a.m. and awards will be presented at 11:15 a.m.
• Saturday, June 16: Essex County Irvington Park Pond, Grove Street and Lyons Avenue, Irvington. On-site registration begins at 8 a.m., the derby begins at 9 a.m. and awards will be presented at 11:15 a.m.

For additional information, call 973-735-6229. The fishing derbies will be held rain or shine.