Optimists invite youngsters to fishing derby

Sep. 9—Muskogee Breakfast Optimist Club's Fishing Derby fits in with the organization's mission of helping children, club secretary Betty Hayes said.

"The kids come out there with their mom or their dad and they spend time together," she said. "We have kids who come back every year with their mom and dad."

This year's derby will be Saturday at the big Honor Heights Park pond. Registration begins at 8:15 a.m. with fishing from 9:15 to 11:15 a.m. The free derby is open to youngsters from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade.

"It's just a very fun day for the kids," Hayes said. "We have a nice place and a lot of helpers signing kids up."

Participants are encouraged to bring fishing poles. Worm bait and some fishing poles will be provided, Hayes said.

Oklahoma Department of Wildlife will stock the pond.

The top three winners in each grade receive prizes. Hayes said Walmart awards fishing-related prizes including tackle boxes or poles.

"We measure every single fish," Hayes said. "We add all that up at the end of the day to see who has the most catches."

The youngsters get excited about all the fish they catch.

"They just run back and forth with fish all morning," Hayes said.

Hayes said last year's derby attracted about 50 boys and girls. They come from all over.

"We had one from Claremore last year," she said. "His grandpa saw it and thought it would be a fun thing."