For all the young fish whisperers out there, grab your poles and bait, it’s time to cast some lines.
Two kids’ fishing derbies are coming up in the Kansas City area, offering the perfect opportunity to show off your angling skills or to at least get some practice. These derbies are the perfect way to get outdoors with the family, connect with nature, and make a few scaly new friends.
First up, the 41st Annual Kids’ Fishing Derby, hosted by Jackson County Parks + Rec, is making a splash June 1. Head to Fleming Park at Lake Jacomo, where registration starts at 8:30 a.m., for this free event packed with prizes, trophies, and a casting clinic.
The first 250 kids—under 15 years old—will receive a free (though unassembled) fishing pole courtesy of Pure Fishing. Just bring bait a bucket for your catches, and get ready to go fish-to-fish with the competition, with prizes awarded for the top three whopper catches in each group.
41st Annual Kids’ Fishing Derby
Location: Lake Jacomo, Fleming Park, Lee’s Summit, MO
Date: June 1
Registration: 8:30 a.m.
Derby: 9 – 10:30 a.m.
Two weeks later, on June 15, Urban American Outdoors will host the Urban Kids Fishing Derby. This free event will take place from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the pond in Spring Valley Park. With a $100 grand prize on the line, there’s bound to be a friendly competition.
Here’s the catch: spaces are limited to 200 lucky anglers aged 4-16, so you’ll want to register for free as soon as you can. Loaner rods won’t be provided this year, so bring your own rod and other gear like a bucket, chai, and bait. With a fun family atmosphere and that grand prize money almost begging to be reeled in, it’s sure to be a whale of a good time!
Urban Kids Fishing Derby
Location: 27th & Woodland, Kansas City, MO 64109
Date: June 15, 2024
Spots: 200 available
Registration: https://facebook.com/urbankidsfish