03 May 2017 Senior citizens fishing derby planned May 5 in Maumelle

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Family and Community Fishing Program welcomes all anglers 65 years and older to come to Lake Valencia in Maumelle for the largest senior citizen community fishing event in Arkansas from 9 a.m. until noon, Friday, May 5.

The fishing derby is free, but anglers should bring their own fishing gear. Seniors should also feel free to mingle and tell a fishing story or two. Music, food and door prizes will be provided.

The AGFC will hold a fishing clinic the day before the derby to get everyone primed for the big event. Instruction in fishing basics will be held from 10 a.m. to noon, Thursday, May 4, at the Maumelle Center on the Lake (No. 2 Club Manor Cove, Maumelle). Register for the fishing clinic at [email protected] or by calling 501.851.4344. No registration is needed for the derby the following day.

“This effort has grown from a small derby into a real fishing event in the six years we’ve done it,” said Clinton Coleman, the assistant coordinator of the Family and Community Fishing Program for the AGFC. “Some of my favorite memories are fishing with my father, and we just want to pass along those opportunities to other families in Arkansas.”

“The senior rec center is right by the pond, so that really does help. I just urge folks to come out and enjoy some family time and make the most of these wonderful moments we’re given.”

Event sponsors include Bank of the Ozarks, Bass Pro Shops, Beef O’Brady’s, Cheers, Zips Express Carwash, The Dreamy Spoon, Fuller and Son Hardware, Golden Corral, Hatchet Jack’s, Marco’s Pizza, Morgan’s Café, U.S. Pizza Company and Zaxby’s.