• Youth Fishing Derby and Reel Kids Casting Competition

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Valdosta Bassmasters, and the City of Lakeland will host the Seventh Annual Youth Fishing Derby and Reel Kids Casting Competition on June 7 from 8 a.m. - noon. The fishing derby will take place from 8-10 a.m. at Flatlanders Lake off Highway 221 in downtown Lakeland near Hardee’s. Registration for the event begins at 7:30 am. Participants are placed in one of four age groups, spanning ages 3-15. First, second, and third place prizes will be awarded in each age group for largest fish by weight.

Following the Derby, all activities will move to Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge off Highway 122. A Reel Kids Casting Competition and clinic, sponsored by Valdosta Bassmasters, begins at 10:00 am. Casters will be divided into two groups for ages 7-10 and 11-14 in which they will compete at flipping, pitching and casting at a target. Certificates will be presented to all participants and prizes awarded to winners.

Bass boats, motors, and interpretive exhibits will be on display throughout the day. Visitors are encouraged to bring a t-shirt to decorate with different fish and animal stamp impressions. An awards ceremony for the Fishing Derby and Reel Kids Casting Competition will be held at noon.

Banks Lake is located off Highway 122 in Lakeland, Georgia. Flatlanders Lake is located in downtown Lakeland off Highway 221. For more information about this event, contact Okefenokee NWR at (912) 496-7836.