Macon hosts Kids Fishing Derby; Georgia offers free fishing

The next two Saturdays offer free opportunities for children to learn the ropes of fishing.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is waiving requirements for fishing licenses June 4 and 11, and the Macon Water Authority is hosting a fishing derby Saturday to introduce youngsters to what could become a favorite pastime.

“There is nothing like watching a kid catch their first fish. And you could be the one that introduces that love of fishing for your child,” John Biagi, DNR chief of fisheries management, said in a news release.

Georgia residents can fish in public waters including lakes, streams and ponds and do not need a wildlife management area license for public fishing areas on the first two Saturdays in June.

On Javors Lucas Lake off Upper River Road in Jones County, the Macon Water Authority is hosting the 11th annual Kids Fishing Derby with registration beginning at 6 a.m. Saturday.

From 7 a.m. until 10:30 a.m., children ages 3 to 16 can try to hook the biggest fish possible to be eligible for prizes in each age category.

Water authority employees and retirees will be available to assist participants, and refreshments will be served after the weigh-in.

“Kids fishing events are a great place to begin, as they are organized and help you and your child get a feel for fishing before trying to ‘tackle’ it on your own,” Biagi said in the release.

The Dodge County Public Fishing area at 325 Dodge Lake Road in Eastman also will be offering a Family Fishing Day from 8 a.m. until noon Saturday.

The Dodge County Sportsman Club and DNR Wildlife Resources are sponsoring the event, which is off County Road 49, not far from U.S. 341.

All through the month of June, the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter in Perry is allowing groups of 10 children or more, ages 16 and younger, to apply to fish the fairground’s catfish pond.

Organized groups, with supervision, can gain access each day from 8 a.m. until dusk, said Keaton Griner, the fairground’s coordinator of sponsorship and special programs.

“They have to provide their own fishing tackle, reels, rods, poles and bait,” Griner said.

A group leader must file an application, which must be approved in advance.

Restrooms and picnic tables are available on the fairgrounds, Griner said.

This story was originally published June 1, 2016 at 12:44 PM with the headline "Macon hosts Kids Fishing Derby; Georgia offers free fishing."