Toms river to host free kids’ fishing derby at veterans park

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Children and teens can cast a line and compete for prizes next month as Toms River Township teams up with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for a free fishing derby on Saturday, June 7.

Key Points

The fishing derby will be held at Veterans Park in Toms River from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Open to kids ages 16 and under with free entry and no registration required.
Event is part of NJ DEP’s “Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs” program.

Youth-focused event promotes outdoor activity

Hosted by Mayor Dan Rodrick and the Toms River Recreation Department, the derby encourages young anglers to enjoy the outdoors while promoting drug-free lifestyles through the state’s “Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs” initiative.

The event will take place at Veterans Park, located at 1630 North Bay Avenue. Participants must bring their own bait, but a limited number of fishing poles and gear will be available for loan through the NJ DEP Division of Fish & Wildlife.

“Limited supply of loaner poles & equipment from NJ DEP Division of Fish & Wildlife. BRING YOUR OWN BAIT,” the event flyer stated.

Prizes, handouts and fishing gear support

Organizers said there will be handouts and prizes available, with no pre-registration required. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and is open to the public for children ages 16 and under. Toms River Recreation noted that early arrival is encouraged due to limited supplies of loaner equipment.

The event is designed to encourage positive youth development and outdoor recreation, while offering kids a chance to win fishing-related prizes in a safe, family-friendly setting.

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