9947 Scott Johnson and Bryce Johnson, 5 years old, celebrate the first bite of the morning for Pierce Johnson, 7 years old, all from Park Ridge during Saturday’s Gone Fishing Derby, held this year on June 27 at Maine Park Ponds, a 25-year tradition in Park Ridge — an event that organizers say is woven into the history of the Wildwood Nature Center. (Gina Grillo/ for the Pioneer Press)
Under a hazy summer sky, families gathered Saturday morning, along the shoreline and on the pier, as the quiet splash of lines baited with wax worms and night crawlers dipped into the pond.
The Gone Fishing Derby held this year on June 27 at Maine Park Ponds has become a tradition in Park Ridge for well over 25-years — an event that organizers say is woven into the history of the Wildwood Nature Center.
Area families commune with nature during Saturday’s Gone Fishing Derby, held this year on June 27 at Maine Park Ponds, a 25-year tradition in Park Ridge — an event that organizers say is woven into the history of the Wildwood Nature Center. (Gina Grillo/ for the Pioneer Press)
“Fishing is one way to connect with nature that is not limited by physical ability or age; it’s an activity that a two-year-old can do with their 90-year-old grandparent,” Wildwood Nature Center manager Jennifer Clauson said.
“The Gone Fishing Derby is a family-friendly catch-and-release fishing competition that appeals to first-time fishermen as well as seasoned veterans, providing outdoor fun for every skill level,” Clauson added.
According to Clauson, the ponds are monitored and stocked with Blue Gill, Largemouth Bass, and Channel Catfish, and during the competition, fish type, length, and catch time are recorded by Wildwood staff before each fish release.
Fishing sessions are divided by age group: 8-9 a.m. for ages 4 and under, 9:15-10:15 a.m. for ages 5 through 8, and 10:30 to noon for ages 9 through 15.
Trophies were awarded in four categories for each age group and included prizes for the largest fish, the smallest fish, the most fish caught, and special catches.
Joseph Ori of Park Ridge attended with family.
“This is an activity we can do together to enjoy the beauty of Maine Pond and escape from all the stresses of life,” Ori said.
For a registration fee of $15, participants received one container of bait along with a goody bag, with additional bait available for purchase.
Participants were encouraged to bring their own fishing poles or to check out poles available from the Wildwood Center.
The Wildwood Nature Center, according to their website, is home to two ponds encompassing approximately two acres, home to a variety of wildlife including fish, American toads, bullfrogs, dragonflies, snails, aquatic turtles, a mating pair of the endangered Black Crowned Night Heron, Great Blue Herons, Green Herons, as well as many other animals.
Clauson says time spent at the pond also becomes an avenue for connecting to other native animals.
Anthony Fiore also participated in Saturday’s derby.
“This is a learning experience for us, and it gives the kids some quality time to bond with their grandfather,” Fiore said.
John Fiore, Gianluca Fiore, 9 years old, Anthony Fiore, and Matteo Fiore, 5 years old, all from Park Ridge, during Saturday’s Gone Fishing Derby, held this year on June 27 at Maine Park Ponds, a 25-year tradition in Park Ridge — an event that organizers say is woven into the history of the Wildwood Nature Center. (Gina Grillo/ for the Pioneer Press)
Saturday’s Gone Fishing Derby, held this year on June 27 at Maine Park Ponds, a 25-year tradition in Park Ridge—an event that organizers say is woven into the history of the Wildwood Nature Center. Fishing sessions were divided by age group: 8-9 a.m. for ages 4 and under, 9:15-10:15 a.m. for ages 5 through 8, and 10:30 to noon for ages 9 through 15, with trophies awarded for largest fish, smallest fish, most fish caught, and special catches. (Gina Grillo/ for the Pioneer Press)
Matteo Fiore, 5 years old, from Park Ridge, gets a few pointers from his Grandfather, John Fiore, during Saturday’s Gone Fishing Derby, held this year on June 27 at Maine Park Ponds, a 25-year tradition in Park Ridge — an event that organizers say is woven into the history of the Wildwood Nature Center. (Gina Grillo/ for the Pioneer Press)
Vinny Ori,13 years old, and Carmella Ori, 5 years old, both from Park Ridge, during Saturday’s Gone Fishing Derby, held this year on June 27 at Maine Park Ponds, a 25-year tradition in Park Ridge—an event that organizers say is woven into the history of the Wildwood Nature Center. (Gina Grillo/ for the Pioneer Press)
Saturday’s Gone Fishing Derby, held this year on June 27 at Maine Park Ponds, a 25-year tradition in Park Ridge — an event that organizers say is woven into the history of the Wildwood Nature Center. Fishing sessions were divided by age group: 8- 9 a.m. for ages 4 and under, 9:15-10:15 a.m. for ages 5 through 8, and 10:30 to noon for ages 9 through 15, with trophies awarded for largest fish, smallest fish, most fish caught, and special catches. (Gina Grillo/ for the Pioneer Press)
Saturday’s Gone Fishing Derby, held this year on June 27 at Maine Park Ponds, a 25-year tradition in Park Ridge — an event that organizers say is woven into the history of the Wildwood Nature Center. Fishing sessions were divided by age group: 8-9 a.m. for ages 4 and under, 9:15-10:15 a.m. for ages 5 through 8, and 10:30 to noon for ages 9 through 15, with trophies awarded for largest fish, smallest fish, most fish caught, and special catches. (Gina Grillo/ for the Pioneer Press)
Scott Johnson and Pierce Johnson, 7 years old from Park Ridge during Saturday’s Gone Fishing Derby, held this year on June 27 at Maine Park Ponds, a 25-year tradition in Park Ridge — an event that organizers say is woven into the history of the Wildwood Nature Center. (Gina Grillo/ for the Pioneer Press)
Saturday’s Gone Fishing Derby, held this year on June 27 at Maine Park Ponds, a 25-year tradition in Park Ridge—an event that organizers say is woven into the history of the Wildwood Nature Center. Fishing sessions were divided by age group: 8 -9 a.m. for ages 4 and under, 9:15-10:15 a.m. for ages 5 through 8, and 10:30 to noon for ages 9 through 15, with trophies awarded for largest fish, smallest fish, most fish caught, and special catches. (Gina Grillo/ for the Pioneer Press)
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John Fiore, Gianluca Fiore, 9 years old, Anthony Fiore, and Matteo Fiore, 5 years old, all from Park Ridge, during Saturday’s Gone Fishing Derby, held this year on June 27 at Maine Park Ponds, a 25-year tradition in Park Ridge — an event that organizers say is woven into the history of the Wildwood Nature Center. (Gina Grillo/ for the Pioneer Press)
Clauson says that Wildwood is also part of the State of Illinois Fishing Tackle Loaner Program, a unique way for anglers to try fishing without having to purchase expensive equipment.
Pole rentals for fishing at Maine Park Ponds are available at Wildwood Nature Center from March to October.
Stacey Johnson of Park Ridge says this is their 3rd year attending the Gone Fishing Derby.
“We love to bring the kids out to spend time in nature and to enjoy our local park district amenities,” Johnson said.
Paul Kennedy of Park Ridge says the Gone Fishing Derby has become something of a tradition for his family.
“I have great memories of fishing here as a child — so it feels special to bring my sons to share in this experience, first started by their Grandad, who is no longer with us, but we keep on coming as a family,” Kennedy said.
