It wouldn’t be March without Plant City’s bi-annual Youth Fishing Derby.
On March 22, kids ages 5 to 15 can load up their tackle boxes and bust out their favorite poles for a little friendly competition. As always, the event will be sponsored by Lakeland-based Landshark Charter and held behind the Randy L. Larson Softball Four-Plex.
It’s not uncommon to see a few adults out there with poles, but they’re obviously not allowed to compete. This is a kids-only event, and adults who wish to help their children can only go as far as baiting the hook and casting the line. The kids have to reel in and present the catch for it to count.
There are nine different species of fish to be caught in the pond, but two in particular — bass and catfish — are important enough for their own individual awards.
Participants will be divided into two age groups: 5 through 10 and 11 through 15. Each group is eligible for the following awards: First Bass, First Catfish, Biggest Fish and Most Fish.
Just like in a big tournament, there are official scorecards, photographers and a weigh-in station to capture and judge the event. And, for adults with younger children, there’s always the opportunity to make this a memorable, first-time fishing experience.
Among the fresh faces will be some veterans of the derby, such as 2013 winner Julia Kripas.
LOOKING FOR A THREE-PEAT
It’s safe to say that Julia, 7, has a knack for catching bass.
She swept the competition for the biggest bass in 2013, winning with a 5-pound, 2-ounce fish in March and a 2-pound, 8-ounce fish in September.
Kripas has been fishing with her family since she was 2 years old, and the family usually goes out in the salt water. Her favorite spot is the Manatee River, where she catches snook, but there have been other fish that have surprised her.
“My favorite was when I caught a shark,” she says. “We were on my grandpa’s boat, fishing with my dad, my grandpa and grandma, and my mom. It was a hammerhead shark — the first shark I ever caught.”
That was just last year — further proof that 2013 was a good year for her.
Kripas won’t reveal her secrets — other than the fact that she used a culprit lizard as bait in the derbies — and is looking forward to competing next weekend. She’s confident that she’ll keep the streak going.
“I’m looking forward to winning again,” she says.
TRICKS OF THE TRADE
Although Julia may not be willing to share her secrets, we can offer some advice to help young anglers land more than just a bite or two.
The best place to find fish is just off of the shoreline. Fish love to swim together in mossy, plant-filled areas to find food, and most of those spots aren’t far from the edge of the water.
Not all lures are good for catching all fish. Some like those shiny lures, but they can blind other fish and drive them away.
If you’re using live bait, keep in mind that bass like to bite on worms. It’s up to you, whether you want to use live or plastic bait. Obviously, culprit lizards also work well in that pond.
Don’t reel it in until the line gets really tight. Some fish are just curious enough to nibble and, if you keep that in mind, it’s easy to tell the difference between a nibble and a full-on bite.
Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.
IF YOU GO
YOUTH FISHING DERBY
WHEN: 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 22. Award ceremony at noon.
WHERE: Gordon Food Service Drive (formerly Albertson Drive), west of Park Road, just behind the Randy L. Larson Softball Four-Plex.
AGES: 5 to 15
REGISTRATION: Pre-registration can be made until 5 p.m. March 20, at the Recreation Administration offices or by calling (813) 659-4200, Ext. 4302. Registrations also will be accepted on-site at the derby from 7:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
COST: Free
RULES: Anglers must be accompanied by an adult and bring their own poles and bait. This is a catch-and-release event. Anglers are encouraged to bring their own five-gallon bucket for weighing.