Area children gather for a day of fishing
By: Jessica Beym
Local youngsters will have a pretty good chance of dropping their lines into Brainerd Lake next weekend and pulling out a sunfish all on their own.
The Cranbury Fraternal Order of Police will stock Brainerd Lake with more than 500 sunfish Wednesday in preparation for an old fashioned Fishing Derby scheduled for June 17. The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife will also stock the lake with a few larger bass and catfish.
Sgt. Michael Owens said the event, in which kids and families gather around the banks of Brainerd Lake near Village Park, is geared toward kids 16 and younger and will be held rain or shine.
Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. and kids are encouraged to bring their own fishing poles. A few poles will be available to borrow. Bait and tackle also will be provided.
"It’s a nice event," Sgt. Owens said. "Not only do we sponsor it, but the Fire Department and First Aid Squad come out. It’s a good way for the public to come out and meet everyone."
The FOP will also provide free hot dogs, water and soda during the derby, which is expected to last until noon, Sgt. Owens said. Participants will also be entered into a raffle for prizes. At mid-morning there will be an educational presentation by representatives of the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife who will talk about the different species of fish in the lake and the aquatic environment.
All fish caught will be released back into Brainerd Lake, Sgt. Owens said.
"In the past, it’s been a great success," he said. "We’ll have a raffle for prizes, too. Toys and water guns, all kinds of stuff for the kids. More or less, it’s just for the kids to come out and have fun."