Youth Fishing tournament at Patterson Park in Baltimore City

Type: Nontidal
Region: Northern
Location: Patterson Park

Checking out the weekly fishing overview, I was reminded about the Youth Fishing tournament at Patterson Park in Baltimore City.

We had to squeeze it in between a birthday party and Honfest, but my daughter was game to go the �fishing party�. First we visited the arts and crafts table provided by the Audubon society, and then played some games. We finally decided it was time to fish and half a night crawler put us on top of the leader board on the first cast. I was pretty surprised myself, when I said, �you better real that in kiddo�, and then had to notch over the drag on the Barbie princess fishing pole while she was cranking it in. Eventually we got edged into second place, but I was bursting with pride anyway. Lots of fish got caught, and the event staff was furiously weighing them in, and then re-baiting hooks. Every fish caught was entered into a raffle for a rod and reel combo, and everyone who caught a fish also got entered once for a guided trip courtesy of DNR. The guy who won first prize doubled down, so that�s really a good day out at the pond!

I�d really like to thank the Friends of Patterson Park, Baltimore City Parks&Rec, and the DNR for providing the bait and poles for any kid who wanted to go fishing Saturday. It kept threatening to rain, but never did, and I think only two people got hooked... but there were plenty of blue gill and bass that put a smile on everyone�s faces.

If you live in the city, the pond in Patterson park is a great place to take the kids. There�s a big playground nearby, ducks to feed, and plenty of scrappy blue gills to keep you busy. However, it�s all catch and release only- in fact a couple of those blue gill didn�t even have an upper portion of their mouths anymore.