14th Annual “Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs” Youth Fishing Derby Coming Up

The shores of Mantle Lake in Presque Isle will once again be the site of the "Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs" youth fishing derby next weekend.

The free event will being on Saturday, May 31 at 8:00 a.m. Registration for the fishing derby will begin at 8:00 a.m. and end at 10:00 a.m. Make sure kids have a supervising adult.

The fishing derby is open to all youth over the age of 3 years and under the age of 16.  The fishing contest will end at noon.

Special prizes will be awarded to the youngsters catching the first fish, the longest fish, and the greatest total length of fish for the five-fish limit, as well as the youngest successful angler.  Every registered contestant will receive a prize to be selected by the contestant from a wide array of articles for outdoor activities, from soccer balls to bicycle helmets.

You don't have to bring your own fishing gear to participate in this year’s fishing derby, participants also don't need to pack a lunch or snack.  Members of the Presque Isle Elks will be cooking hot dogs and hamburgers to be served along with drinks, chips and ice cream.

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has greatly enhanced the fishing success rate at this annual fishing derby by stocking Mantle Lake with fish shortly before the derby.

OMM Outfitters of Eagle Lake, with the assistance of Cabela’s, provide fishing gear and guidance for the beginning anglers.  The Presque Isle Fire Department and a number of area businesses also generously contribute.

In addition to having the opportunity to watch young people catch trout, supervising adults will also have the opportunity to introduce Presque Isle Police Chief Matthew Irwin to the deep and chilly waters of the Presque Isle Elks’ dunking booth for $1.00 per ball to be thrown at the dunking booth target.  Proceeds from the dunking booth will all go to the Maine Children’s Cancer Program.

Further information in relation to the “Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs” youth fishing derby are available from Curtis Lewin at (207) 768-8008, Alan Harding at (207) 764-0131, or the Presque Isle Elks Lodge, (207) 764-0985.