Kids participating in a free fishing derby Sunday, May 26, at Coquitlam’s Como Lake might be able to reel in some prizes, as well as their catch of the day.
The annual derby, put on by Festival Coquitlam along with the Kin Club of Coquitlam and the Port Coquitlam and District Hunting and Fishing Club, is one of two upcoming angling events to bring families together for an outdoor activity and introduce kids to the thrill of baiting a hook then casting to catch one of the hundreds of rainbow trout stocked in Como Lake.
A second family fishing day will be held June 16 at Lafarge Lake, which is also stocked with rainbow trout.
Sunday’s derby, that begins at 6 a.m. and runs until noon, features a pancake breakfast to fuel those titanic struggles to land the big one, and prizes for a myriad of achievements, from the largest and smallest fish to the most unusual catch of the day.
No license is required for fishers under 16 years old but anglers should bring their own rod and reel, fishing line, bobber, weight and bait.
Other tips organizers suggest make for a successful day of fishing include:
- wear appropriate clothing like a hat and sunscreen if the weather is nice and rain gear if it’s not
- pack along snacks and water
- bring a lawn chair
"The good fishing spots on the dock and south side of the lake are popular so get there early," advised Festival Coquitlam's Lori McGrath in a news release.
According to Fisheries and Oceans Canada, there are more than 280,000 active recreational freshwater fishers in British Columbia. They spend a cumulative 3.95 million days dipping their line in the water.
In the Lower Mainland, white sturgeon from the Fraser River in the most targeted species, followed by trout and salmon.
