Annual Decatur fishing derby set for June 12th

— The Seventh Annual Community Fishing Derby, sponsored by the Decatur Assembly of God Big Fisherman/ Little Fisherman Community Fishing Program, will be held on June 12 at Crystal Lake.

Children, ages 1 through 14, can participate in the derby in five different age categories. Registration will be from 8:15 to 9 a.m. The derby runs from 9 a.m. until noon.

Prizes will be awarded to all participants, according to organizer Nickie Smith. Special awards for the largest fish, the smallest fish and the largest stringer will also be given in eachage category.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will be stocking the overflow pond with catchable size catfish for the derby.If water levels are too low, the entire lake will be stocked.

When participants catch their limit of three catfish, they can continue fishing in the rest of the lake until weigh-in time, Smith said.

The derby will also feature children’s games and a picnic for participants and their family members. Each child must be accompanied by an adult and each child can have only one rod or pole during the competition. All Arkansas Game and Fish Commission rules will be followed.

Smith works with the help of more than 40 volunteers to organize the derby. Last year, 219 kids from 22 towns in the three-state area participated in the event. Smith said he is hoping for an even bigger crowd this year.

“I believe it is a ministry the Lord has given me,” Smith said of the derby. “I was raised as a fisherman and I raised my sons as fishermen. I enjoy watching the little kids get so excited when they catch something ...It just lights their face up,” he said.

Many friendships have been formed at the derbies over the year, Smith said. Children learn life lessons like patience and appreciation of nature while fishing. The sport also gives parents time to connect with their children and serve as teachers, Smith said.

Personally, Smith said fishing offers him the opportunity to connect with nature and with God and he hopes to pass that heritage on to others through the program.

“There are times I go out to the lake just to be alone with the Lord and relax. I throw a line out and, whether I catch a fish or not, it’s so peaceful,” Smith said.

Pre-registration forms can be picked up at the Decatur General Store, the Iva Jane Peek Library, or the Decatur Assembly of God during Sunday and Wednesday services. For more information, contact Nickie Smith at 238-6147 or by e-mail at [email protected].

News, Pages 13 on 05/26/2010