An Intergenerational, Learn-to-Fish Event
Buddies & Bobbers Fishing Derby
The 2021 Buddies & Bobbers 'learn-to-fish' fishing derby is taking place on May 22, 2021 at Walton Pond, located at Winding Trails in Farmington, Connecticut.
This unique, intergenerational event is guaranteed to be a memory-filled, health-boosting, fun morning for everyone involved. Don't miss out!
How to Participate
Experienced anglers age 50+
Please sign up as one of our fishing volunteers for this event!
Please send us a completed volunteer application.
We'll review it and then get in touch with you to schedule your required background check.
No fishing license is required.
Youth ages 6-12
Youth (with accompanying parent/guardian) register as an event participant.
During our Buddies & Bobbers Fishing Derby, youth ages 6-12 (who must be accompanied by a parent/guardian) will be partnered with experienced adult anglers age 50+. These men and women volunteers will introduce the youth to the sport of fishing and teach them the fundamental fishing skills they will need during the derby.* The intergenerational partnered 'teams' will then fish and compete for prizes.
The morning will begin at 8:30 am with everyone gathering for a socially-distanced, continental breakfast outside of Nature's Porch on Walton Pond at Winding Trails. During breakfast, the youth will be introduced to their older adult mentors and provided with their fishing equipment for the derby.** (Youth are welcome to bring their own fishing pole if they have one.)
As a group, they will learn the basics of fishing including how to 'set' up and cast a fishing rod, bait a hook, reel in a fish, and identify the types of fish they might catch during the derby. By 9:30 am, the partnered teams will have selected and set up their desired on-shore fishing location along Walton Pond. The derby will then begin.
For the next 2 hours, the adult anglers will teach their youth partners how to fish, and assist them as they hopefully catch their first fish, all while competing against the other teams in the derby. All fish caught will be measured, identified, and recorded. Prizes will be awarded for the largest fish, the smallest fish!, and most fish caught. We will also be awarding a prize to the person who wears the most creative fishing-themed hat!
At 11:30 am, the teams will reconvene under the pavilion for lunch and the awarding of prizes. All youth will go home with a 'special' prize! And each youth will leave the derby having:
- experienced the joy of fishing
- learned new skills and a new 'sport'
- enjoyed time outside in the fresh air
- met a new friend, and
- had a whole lot of fun.
**Worms will be provided and are the only permitted bait for the derby.
Please note that we are capping attendance for this derby at 20 youth and 20 adult angler volunteer mentors. Pre-registration is required for everyone.
*Covid-19 screening will take place the morning of the event, masks are required to be worn during the event, and social distancing protocols will be in place during the event to ensure the safety of everyone attending. This includes the child's parent/guardian assisting the child based on mentoring by the youth's older adult partner who will remain 6 feet from the youth at all times.
Official Event Photographer
Buddies & Bobbers Disclaimer
Buddies & Bobbers Fishing Derby Disclaimer
I understand that my registration of my child for the Buddies & Bobbers Learn-to-Fish Fishing Derby means that I have read, understand, and agree to the following. I, on my behalf, on my child's behalf, and on my child's guardian's behalf for the morning, assume all risks associated with attending this event including, but not limited to injury whether arising in contract, negligence or otherwise, all such risks being known and appreciated by me. I, for myself, my child, and anyone entitled to act on my or my child's behalf, waive and release For All Ages from any and all claims or liabilities of any kind arising out of my participation in this community event. I grant permission to For All Ages to use any photographs, videos, recordings, or any other record of this event for any legitimate purpose.
I understand that my child cannot participate in this event without a parent/guardian present at all times. I understand that social distancing protocols will be in place during the event and that my child's parent/guardian is expected to help my child perform various fishing related activities including, but not limited to, putting worms on fishing hooks, removing fish from hooks in order to weigh them, and releasing the fish back into the water.
In addition, I understand that For All Ages has the right to decline my participation in this event at its discretion for any reason it deems appropriate, including but not limited to, ensuring the safety of event attendees and the integrity of the program.