The Mount Airy Lions Club Fishing Derby for 2014, will be held on May 3, 2014, at the pond in Prospect Park, 107 Prospect Road, Mount Airy.

Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and fishing is permitted from 8:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. The fishing derby was renamed The Annual Clyde F. Gibson Fishing Derby in memory of Clyde Gibson, a Mount Airy Lions Club member, and this is our 22nd year.

Prizes are awarded for the fisherman who lands the biggest fish in length, second biggest fish in length, smallest in length, and the most combined total weight of fish caught. All participants receive a certificate of participation. The event is free, but each child should bring their own pole, fishing gear, bait, and a large bucket to hold their live catch.

The contest is open to participants from the tri-county area from ages 2 - 16 years of age. No license is required for the event. Younger children should be accompanied by a parent or someone who can help safely bait the hook and remove fish from the hook. The pond will be stocked (typically with Rainbow Trout) by The Department of Natural Resources prior to the event. The general policy is that all fish are returned to the pond, which reaches 9 feet deep in some spots.

The event is held rain or shine. For further information contact the club at 301-829-LION or the website at: www.mtairylions.com .