Kids fishing fun is just ahead this Saturday at the Lew Mead Memorial Kids Fishing Derby at Cassadaga Lakes. P-J file photo

This Saturday, the 32nd Lew Mead Annual Memorial Kids Fishing Derby at the Cassadaga Lakes will be a community affair.

The event will kick off early; look for the big-top registration tent at the NYSDEC boat launch site on Dale Road at Middle Cassadaga Lake. Registration begins at 7 a.m. An adult must accompany all kids; they can start fishing once they are signed in. Tell the kids to bring their own fishing gear. They must return to the registration site to have their fish measured and weighed for prize consideration. The deadline for fish entries is 11:30 a.m., with the awards to follow.

“The youth age groups are separated into 7 years and under, 8-10 years old, 11-13 years old, and 14-16 years old,” said co-chairman Dave Rowley. “There are trophies and merchandise prizes planned, with a hot dog and beverage lunch for the kids.”

Several local sponsors have contributed to the festival-like fun event, making this event a genuine community effort.

When kids learn to fish, it’s not just about the catch, it’s about the lessons they learn. Fishing helps to foster a connection with nature. The hands-on experience allows them to appreciate and care for aquatic ecosystems and wildlife.

“With the trained volunteers, the kids learn about understanding reasons for fishing regulations, catch limits, and habitat protection,” co-chairman Steve Wickmark said. “Some of our volunteers started as young kids at this event, and now their children are in it. We’ve gone full circle, which means so much.”

It is proven that kids who fish often grow up to be adults who support conservation efforts, from habitat restoration to clean water policies.

The best part is that fishing often includes storytelling, traditional practices, and ecological education. Teaching kids to fish is so much more than just recreation; it’s about creating future stewards for the environment. Consider bringing youth that you know to attend this event; it all starts with us older folks.

Contact Steve Wickmark to volunteer or to donate a prize for the event at 716-595-2900 or email swickmark@netscape.net.

The derby earned its name after the passing of local inventor Lew Mead, who had promoted the event for kids for many years. Mead was known for his intuitive grape harvesting equipment inventions. The Cassadaga Lakes Association sponsors the event.

Gotta love the outdoors.

CALENDAR

June 25: Chautauqua County Federation of Sportsmen, monthly meeting, Conservation Building, Chautauqua Fairgrounds, 7 p.m. start.

Jun 27: WNY Heroes Day (Dunkirk), Contact Jim Steel; 716-481-5348; visit https://wnyheroes.org/.

July 28: Lew Mead Memorial Kids Memorial Fishing Derby, 16 and under, no fishing license required for adult help, Dale Road Boat Launch is registration site, starts at 7 a.m., derby at 11 a.m. with weigh-in. Info: Steve Wickmark, 716-595-2900.