Third Annual Orange County Youth Fishing Derby

“Get Hooked on Fishing, Not Drugs”

Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler on Friday, February 24, 2023, announced the launch of the third District Attorney’s Office Youth Fishing Derby. The Derby will run from April 1, 2023, through September 4, 2023, and is open to children between the ages of four and eighteen who are children or grandchildren of Orange County residents. 

Fishing teaches many life lessons, such as patience and how to deal with success and failure. Several U.S. presidents were accomplished fishermen and used fishing to relax from the stress and responsibilities of their office. Participants will also learn to enjoy and respect nature and, by spending more time with family and friends, will alleviate some of the boredom and anxiety caused by the COVID-19 crisis. It is that boredom and anxiety that has led so many of our young people to turn to drug use or gang activity. Sports and other worthwhile activities can help deter young people from those bad choices. The Derby will encourage our young people to go fishing and enjoy the outdoors and hopefully avoid drug use. 

The Fishing Derby is part of District Attorney Hoovler’s community outreach program. Remember, any fish photo entered in the Derby, big or small, has an equal chance to win a prize for the contestant.  

CONTEST RULES: Entry into the Youth Fishing Derby is free. All fish entered in the contest must be legally caught from anywhere in New York State. Contestants must adhere to all current New York State fishing regulations. Fresh and saltwater fish are eligible to be entered into the contest. To enter, email a photo of the contestant holding the fish, as well as the child’s first name and an adult contact phone number, to dafishingcontest@gmail.com. Each angler can enter up to three fish during the contest, to have multiple chances to win. Ten winners will be drawn at random from all entries received during the contest dates. Each angler is limited to one prize package. All photos entered in the Youth Fishing Derby becomes the property of the Derby. 

PRIZE PACKAGE: Each winner will receive an Orange County District Attorney’s Office limited t-shirt and a Mystery Tackle Box Bass Fishing Kit.  Bonus prize: The first winner drawn will also receive a $100 gift card.  Prizes can be picked up at the District Attorney’s Office by the winners in Goshen or will be mailed to them at the conclusion of the contest.

“I wish good luck to all our young anglers,” said District Attorney Hoovler, “and I hope that you enjoy your time in our great outdoors. Please always remember safety! Wear a life vest when in a boat or near deep water. Be careful with hooks and other fishing tackle. Look where you cast and behind you, to avoid hooking someone by mistake. Remember sunglasses to protect your eyes from both the sun and from hooks that might pop loose from a hooked fish. Remember that good anglers don’t litter, because it hurts our wildlife habitat and can lead to the loss of public access for fishing. Have fun and stay safe, and maybe I’ll see you on the water this year!”