There will be a free youth freshwater fishing derby at the Tenoroc Fish Management Area in Lakeland on April 1 from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.
The event will be conducted on Derby Lake Recreational Facility, a 16-acre former phosphate mine that is stocked with a variety of freshwater sport fish and catfish. The lake has seven fishing piers and a 200-foot boardwalk for fishing that is accessible to anglers with disabilities.
There will be a casting contest, as well as exhibitors and other outdoor activities for the whole family. Publix Supermarkets will provide a free lunch.
Bait and a limited number of loaner rods and reels also will be provided at no charge for those younger than age 15. All youths must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. A fishing license is not required on this particular weekend because it falls during a license-free freshwater fishing weekend.
Registration, which is required, began on March 1 and ends at 5 p.m. on March 31. To pre-register, call the FWC Southwest Regional Office at 863-648-3200, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
For more information, visit MyFWC.com/fishing/freshwater/.