It’s No Fishing Tale: Youth Derby Rescheduled for July 19

Grab your tackle and bait your calendar—Newcastle’s Youth Fishing Derby is officially back on the line for Saturday, July 19, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at Veterans Park Pond, 803 N. Carr Drive.

After being rained out in June, the popular derby is making a splash with a new sunset timeslot. Newcastle Parks & Recreation, in partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, hopes the evening hours will lure even more young anglers.

“We’re trying sunset fishing this time,” said Parks & Recreation Director Kyle Marks. “We’ll see how people like it this year and gauge whether we want to change it from morning to evening next year.”

Open to kids ages 15 and under, the derby offers prizes for each age group: 6 and under, 7–10, and 11–15. Categories include Biggest Fish (first and second place), Overall Longest Fish, and Best Dressed Angler—so participants are encouraged to dress to impress while they cast their lines.

Winners will reel in fishing backpacks and gift cards, while over 200 additional prizes will be up for grabs throughout the event.

The derby is free to enter. Pre-registration is available online through Tuesday, July 15, at newcastleok.gov/events, or in person from 4:30–6:30 p.m. the day of the event. Those who previously registered for the June 7 event do not need to sign up again.

Local sponsors are helping keep the derby well-stocked: Snow Enterprises Commercial Investments, Pioneer Coop, Triton Foundation Repair, OEC Electric & Fiber, The First National Bank & Trust, Oklahoma Natural Gas, Community Bank of Oklahoma, Norman Regional Health System, Tinker Federal Credit Union, Contemporary Family Dentistry, and Boing City Party Rentals.

So grab your gear and fin-ish strong—Newcastle’s Youth Fishing Derby promises to be a reel good time.