Mantle Lake hosts youth fishing derby

    PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The shores of Mantle Lake will once again be the site of a youth fishing derby on Saturday, May 31, beginning at 8 a.m. According to event chair Curtis Lewin, Presque Isle Elks Lodge No. 1954 will sponsor the “Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs” fishing derby for the 14th consecutive year.  The event is totally free of charge.
Lewin announced that registration for the fishing derby will begin at 8 a.m. and end at 10 a.m. The fishing derby is open to all youth over the age of 3 years and under the age of 16. The 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 from a wide array of articles for outdoor activities, from soccer balls to bicycle helmets.
“Any young person over the age of 3 years and under 16, who wants to fish, needs to simply show up with a supervising adult,” Lewin said. “If the youngster does not have a fishing pole or bait, it will be provided. If this will be the first time fishing for both the young person and his supervising adult, there will be someone to assist with instruction and guidance.
“The Presque Isle Elks, with the assistance of volunteers and donations from local businesses, will provide everything free of charge. The only thing the child needs to bring is a supervising adult and a desire to enjoy some time fishing,” he added.
In addition to not needing to bring their own fishing gear to participate in this year’s fishing derby, participants do not 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.