Catch the Excitement: Kids Fishing Tournaments

It’s a sport, a hobby, a profession, 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 hosts its annual kids fishing tournament at Lake Julian Park on Saturday, May 18, with another 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 a.m. the day of each tournament. Fishing commences at 8:30 a.m. and ends promptly at 11:30 a.m. No fishing license is required for North Carolina residents under 16 years old. No boat fishing is allowed during the tournaments.

Want to Fish?

• Click here to register for the kids fishing tournament at Lake Julian Park (406 Overlook Road Extension in Arden) on May 18.
• Click here to register for the kids fishing tournament at Charles D. Owen Park (875 Warren Wilson Road in Swannanoa) on June 1.

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