Summary of the Essex River MSSA Chapter #3 MARYLAND FISHING CHALLENGE Youth Component

Type: Nontidal
Region: Northern
Location: Wilson Point Park, Middle River

The Essex River MSSA Chapter #3 hosted their 3rd annual Kids Fishing Day on Saturday, August 7, at Wilson Point Park (Middle River). The MSSA Chapter provided a fishing rod to all first timers to this event plus all kids got a �goody� bag stuffed with fishing tackle and educational material. Many volunteers were on hand to assist the 65+ young anglers (ages 3 to 15) with casting, knot tying, and of course baiting and fishing. Both the casting competition and the fishing contest was divided into two age groups for boys and girls with a 1st & 2nd place for the casting and 1st, 2nd & 3rd place in each age group for the fishing contest. All winners received gift certificates from local tackle shops. The fishing was good on Saturday, the kids were catching plenty of spot, bluegill, white perch, yellow perch and even one rock fish was caught.

I was there to represent DNR-Fisheries in support of our partnering with MSSA for the Youth Component of the Maryland Fishing Challenge featuring Diamond Jim. Taylor Mae Edwards, age 11, was the lucky angler selected to move on to the finale which will be held in conjunction with the Maryland Seafood Festival on September 11 at Sandy Point Park.