The annual Youth Fishing Derby, organized by Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM), in association with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), the Daniel Hernandez Youth Foundation, and Partners of Parks, will take place on November 18. This event provides a day of free family-friendly activities, along with opportunities for young fishing enthusiasts to learn and engage with the outdoors.
The Long Beach PRM reports that Mayor Rex Richardson sees the event as an opportunity for children to acquire new abilities, build relationships with their families, and appreciate the natural world. Complimentary snacks, games, and tips from fishing professionals round out the experience, catering to both seasoned fishers and beginners.
The partnership between the Daniel Hernandez Youth Foundation, CDFW, and PRM is a long-standing one, focusing on creating fishing-related activities that are equally accessible to everyone. "It's crucial for children to try new experiences; some of them may be fishing for the very first time," shares Daniel Hernandez, Chairman of the Daniel Hernandez Youth Foundation.
This year, CDFW's role involves ensuring the inclusivity of the event with respect to skill level and equipment ownership. To facilitate this, Brian Young, California Department of Fish and Wildlife Fishing in the City Coordinator, explains that the department will house 'Learn to Fish' stations and a rod and reel loan scheme, so attendees can participate without needing to make the financial commitment of equipment purchases.
Such considerations demonstrate the commitment of the Youth Fishing Derby towards inclusiveness, reverberating with the city of Long Beach's efforts in fostering a welcoming community as outlined on the official Long Beach website.
