It’s a sport, a hobby, a profession, and a skill. Fishing crosses all gender, cultural, and economic lines.
For some, it’s about catching the biggest fish, for others it’s the quantity. The adrenaline rush and pride when a line is pulled in is the same either way.
Buncombe County Recreation Services will host its annual kids fishing tournaments at Lake Julian Park on on Saturday, June 1 at Charles D. Owen Park. The tournaments are open to anyone 15 years old or younger. Competitors are divided into five age groups with prizes in each for Biggest Fish, Smallest Fish, Most Fish Caught, and Most Accurate Casting Skills.
“Fishing builds confidence, improves coordination, teaches patience, and encourages an appreciation of nature,” said Mac Stanley, Outdoors Coordinator for Buncombe County Recreation Services. “These tournaments are a great way to introduce our younger residents to healthier lifestyles and decrease screen time – at least for a little while.”
Both are catch and release tournaments. After each fish has been weighed and measured, they are released back into the lake. Registration is $10 per competitor and includes a bucket, bait, snacks, and hot dog lunch. Participants bring their own poles.
Preregistration is available and recommended. On-site registration will begin at 8:00 am the morning of each tournament. Fishing commences at 8:30 am and ends promptly at 11:30 am. No fishing license is required for North Carolina residents under 16 years old. No boat fishing is allowed during the tournaments.
Want to Fish?
• Visit the May 18 Eventbrite registration page to register for the kids fishing tournament at Lake Julian Park (406 Overlook Road Extension in Arden) on May 18.
• Visit the June 1 Eventbrite registration page to register for the kids fishing tournament at Charles D. Owen Park (875 Warren Wilson Road in Swannanoa) on June 1.
Buncombe County Recreation Services works to insure quality leisure experiences, preserve the area’s natural beauty, and enhance environmental resources through the management of public parks, development of greenways, and promotion of wellness lifestyles. Facilities include three regional parks, seven riverfront parks, five outdoor pools, a regional greenways and trails system, two disc golf courses, a nature preserve, a mountain bike park, and numerous athletic and multi-use fields.
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