Correspondent photo / John Patrick Gatta Matt Gartin of Colebrook discusses with his son, Ethan Gartin, 13, how to use a jerkbait fishing lure during the Fishing Derby Saturday at the Lakeview Recreation area at Mosquito Lake State Park. The event was open to participants in two age groups: 1 to 8 and 9 to 15.

BAZETTA — Although the 2026 Mosquito Lake State Park Fishing Derby took place the morning before Father’s Day, it was more like Family Day as the Lakeview Recreation Area found dads and moms encouraging and offering advice to the young anglers.

“The goal of the Fishing Derby is to introduce young people to the sport of fishing and encourage families to spend time outdoors together. It provides an opportunity for children to learn fishing skills, connect with nature and build a lifelong appreciation for Ohio’s natural resources and Mosquito Lake State Park,” said Jason Lee, part-time naturalist for Mosquito Lake State Park and Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park, as well as Howland High School science teacher.

“They have fishing tournaments here every weekend, but this is a good way to introduce kids to fishing,” explained Steve Craiger, a member of Friends of Mosquito Lake State Park, a fundraising nonprofit support group for all the property at the state park, which sponsored the event.

He added, “This year, it’s taking place at the same time as the free fishing in Ohio. So, you can fish without a license on Saturday and Sunday. The state does that a couple times a year, and it’s a good chance to get the kids out here and show them how to fish.”

In its 15th year, the tournament had 62 participants in two categories — ages 1 to 8 and 9 to 15.

“By limiting the event to ages 15 and under, we create a fun, welcoming environment where young anglers can learn, build confidence and experience success without competing against experienced adult anglers,” Lee said.

Craiger added, “The competition on the water is a little stiff with the older folks, the experienced people. If you limit the age, then it gives them an opportunity, and you can teach them a little bit better.”

Parents helped bait the hooks, let the young anglers borrow a pole, showed them how to cast and suggested different lures if the fish weren’t biting.

While anglers can find opportunities all around Mosquito Lake to catch fish, Craiger said the Lakeview Recreation Area was picked to make it easier for the kids.

“Easy access. Good deal of shoreline here. It’s kind of shallow, so you don’t have to worry about the kids being close to the shore, and there are a large number of fish in this area.”

During the derby, once caught, they brought the fish to volunteers who measured them. Then, the fish were brought back to the water and released.

While there are a variety of species swimming in Mosquito Lake including bluegill, black and white crappie, largemouth bass, yellow perch and walleye, Lee pointed out that “Bluegill are often the most common fish caught by younger participants.”

Chase Roberts of Warren did just that. Shortly after changing his lure, he returned to the lake. Wearing fishing waders, Roberts settled approximately 15 yards from the shore and immediately caught a bluegill.

The 15-year-old, who has been fishing for seven years, said, “My dad got me into it, more of a passed down tradition.”

He and his younger brother — 13-year-old Carson — were both successful at the Derby with the younger Roberts receiving the Most Fish Caught award, age group 9 to 15, at the end of the two-hour event.

Asked what he likes about fishing, Chase said, “Being able to catch the fish and being outside.”

Besides Mosquito Lake, he’s fished at Pymatuning Reservoir, Lake Milton, Berlin Lake and Shenango River Lake.

For those who preferred a different type of fishing experience, plastic fish were set up on the ground far away from the lake.

Jake Rivenburgh, a park ranger who’s also with the Army Corps of Engineers, explained, “This is a little program that Jason Lee likes to put on. It’s a simple fishing activity for the younger folk. The whole idea is that you ‘catch’ a plastic fish. You reel it in, and there’s a picture of an actual fish on the plastic fish. Then, we use the Sport Fish of Ohio Field Guide to find out what kind of fish it is.”

Afterwards, the aspiring angler receives a prize — a sweet treat such as a sucker.

Based on how much fun the young participants were having, it’s unlikely they’ll wait until the next Fishing Derby to return to Mosquito Lake and cast their lures again.

The winners

Most Fish Caught, Age Group 9-15, Carson Roberts, 13, of Warren

Biggest Fish, Age Group 9-15, Connor Hartzell (age and residence unavailable)

Smallest Fish, Age Group 9-15, Lincoln Cyphert, 12, of Cortland

Most Fish Caught, Age Group 1-8, Tyler Kuboff (age and residence unavailable)

Biggest Fish, Age Group 1-8, Paul Stouwie (age and residence unavailable)

Smallest Fish, Age Group 1-8, Seth Henry (age and residence unavailable)