NEWS INFORMATION FROM

THE OFFICE OF MAYOR STEPHEN R. REED
City of Harrisburg
King City Government Center
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1678
Telephone: 717.255.3040

FOR IMMEDIATE USE
15 September 2003

CITY’S FREE FIFTH ANNUAL FISHING DERBY SLATED FOR SEPT. 27–29 AT JACKSON-LICK POOL

Harrisburg, PA—Mayor Stephen R. Reed today announced that the City’s Fifth Annual “Get Hooked on Fishing” Derby will be held at the Jackson Lick Pool at 1201 N. Sixth Street during the period of September 27, 28 and 29. The free fishing derby is open to youth only on Saturday, Sept. 27, with families, seniors and special needs groups permitted on Sunday and Monday, Sept. 28 and 29.

The Mayor said youth attending Saturday’s special Fishing Derby are given the opportunity to learn how to fish, and catch up to two of the more than 1100 live hybrid Striped Bass that will be stocked in the pool. Participants can register at 8:30 a.m. and the Derby begins daily at 9:00 a.m. There is a two-fish limit per person with no releasing of the fish.

Reed said Saturday’s program will be structured so that either a family member or volunteer will accompany each youth participating, helping to bait hooks and give beginner fishing lessons. The PA Fish and Boat Commission and the PA Dept. of Agriculture will provide equipment free of charge to youth who do not have their own rods and reels. The Saturday free youth derby will end at 5:00 p.m.

The Mayor said the free Derby will be open to adults with children and senior citizens on Sunday and Monday, September 28 and 29, from 9:00 a.m. to Noon both days. Special needs groups with advance reservations will be able to participate in the Derby from Noon to 4:00 p.m. on both days.

Reed said one of the special attractions for the Derby includes a Zebco Crazy Casting Competition, with local winners receiving rod and reel sets, and the top winner being entered into a national contest for four free airline tickets to any Southwest Airlines destination.

“Our goal for the Fishing Derby is twofold,” said Mayor Stephen R. Reed. “Not only do we want to encourage and educate our youth about the sport of fishing, we also want them to have the opportunity and means to enjoy quality time with their families and responsible adults.”

The Mayor said the event is sponsored and coordinated by the Harrisburg Department of Parks and Recreation, and is joined by co-sponsors Harrisburg Parks Partnership, Susquehanna Aquacultures, Inc., Blue Moon Fishing Club, WHP TV-21 and UPN TV15, the Touch 1400 AM, Capital City Bassmasters, Jim’s Tackle Shop, PA Fish and Boat Commission, Wal-Mart, Eat-n-Park Restaurants, and the PA Dept. of Agriculture.

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