Gone Fishin' - The Noble Park Fish Out

By Cassie Johnson

The warm sunshine and fresh breezes of spring are the perfect weather for fishing! Paducah Parks and Recreation is proud to announce its annual Noble Park Fish Out, presented by CFSB. For over 20 years, this fin-tastic event has been catching family fun on the first Saturday in June.

On Saturday, June 5 kids ages five to 12 years are invited to join the fun at Lake Gerry B. Montgomery, located in Noble Park. The first weekend in June is Kentucky’s Free Fishing Weekend – there’s no fishing license needed and you can have fun at no cost. Registration will begin at 8:30am at Shelter 10, located across the road from the Noble Park Pool. Fishing will be from 9-11am. Don’t forget that early birds catch the worms – gift bags will be handed out to the first 75 children registered.

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources stock the lake throughout the year as part of the Fishing in Neighborhoods (FINs) program. The lake population consists mainly of catfish, trout, crappie, and sunfish. This is a Catch and Release tournament, so taking a keeper home is not an option.

“Each child will need to be supervised with a parent or guardian present the entire time,” said Taylor Morsching, Recreation and Parks Superintendent with Paducah Parks and Recreation. “Parents or helpers can assist with baiting and removing fish from the hook, but children must do all fishing on their own. As soon as a fish is caught and reeled in, participants need to see a Parks and Recreation staff member to measure, record, and release the fish. Staff members will be available to assist the baiting and unhooking process, but mostly will be there to measure and record fish.”

“Only one fish can be recorded at a time, so please be patient!” Morsching added. “Please do not wait until you catch multiple fish as each one will need to be returned to the lake as soon as possible to maintain their good health,”

Children may use their own pole and bait, but can borrow both from Paducah Parks and Recreation while supplies last. To borrow a pole, a parent or guardian must fill out and sign the registration form with the pole rental agreement to ensure the pole will be returned as soon as the tournament is over. No license is needed as Kentucky does not require a fishing license for children under 16.

An awards ceremony will immediately follow the tournament at Shelter 10 to wrap up the day. Awards will be given for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places for two different categories. The Longest Fish and Most Fish Caught for both a boys division and girls division will be given prizes. Prizes may include a fishing pole, tackle box, or other fishing gear.

“Between the fishing pier, pavilion, and bridge areas, there’s room for everyone. For safety, please avoid areas where the shoreline has eroded away,” Morsching said.

Wherever you choose, make sure to be aware of others in your area when casting and reeling in your fish. Look around to make sure you have plenty of space. This helps prevent accidents, possible injuries, and lines being tangled.

The most important rule is to have fun. Relax, enjoy the day, and watch happy kids reeling in those whoppers! No matter the size of the fish or age of the child, fishing is a wonderful opportunity to make unforgettable memories. You’ll be ‘hooked’ on fishing in no time!