Essex County Hosts Annual Fishing Derbies

Essex County children will have multiple opportunities to participate in the annual Essex County Fishing Derby in the next few weeks, officials announced.

The annual derby is free and open to children ages 15 and younger. Participants must be accompanied by an adult and bring their own fishing poles, bait, bucket and chair. Prizes will be awarded in all age categories for catching the first and most fish at the conclusion of each derby, county officials said.

The derby kicks off on Saturday, April 20 at Essex County Branch Brook Park Lake (near the Prudential Lions), located at Park Avenue and Lake Street, Newark. On-site registration begins at 10:30 a.m. and the derby begins at noon. Awards will be presented at 2:30 p.m.

“Our fishing derbies are an excellent opportunity for our children to enjoy the historic Essex County Park System in a different and fun way,” Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo said. “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,” he added, “I invite everyone to come out, cast their lines, Experience Essex and take a look at the improvements we are making to revitalize our parks,” he said.

The derbies will be held rain or shine.

The fishing derby schedule is as follows:

• Saturday, May 4: Essex County Grover Cleveland Park Pond, Brookside Avenue and Runnymede Road, Caldwell/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 16: 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 18: 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. 

For additional information, please call (973) 735-6229.