FEW ACTIVITIES are worthy substitutes for fishing. Maybe it's the Zen-like calm contrasted with the thrill of the catch. Or the special bonding over tall tales about the one that got away. In this case, it could be the free hot dogs. Whatever lures you to the lakes, these two events for children provide a fine introduction to the ups and downs of angling.
Fishing Derby for Kids
Children are invited to participate in this catch-and-release event at the 7-acre Pate Lake at T.W. Briscoe Park in Snellville. The lake is stocked annually with bass, perch and catfish. Children 3-12 may compete in casting contests or just chill out with a line in the water. The event is supervised by park staff and experts from the Atlanta Tight Lines Bass Club, who hold an orientation before lines go into the water at 8:30 a.m.
Awards will be presented for the biggest fish, smallest fish and the most fish caught when lines come out at 11 a.m. Every child receives a snack, drink and ticket for a door prize.
"Fishing's one of those things that a lot of kids don't get to do unless they grow up in a certain area or unless they have a parent who enjoys it," says Cyndee Bonacci director of Parks and Recreation for the city of Snellville. "We wanted to make sure children had the opportunity to experience fishing and to experience the outdoors."
> THE 411: Fishing Derby for kids. Bring your own fishing rods. Bait provided. $2. Preregistration encouraged. Check in between 7:15 and 8 a.m. June 21. T.W. Briscoe Park. 2500 Sawyer Parkway, Snellville. 770-985-3535, www.snellville.org.
Take a Kid Fishing
Bringing the fishing gear, chairs and bait (no live bait; hot dogs and chicken livers are recommended), and the park provides an afternoon of fun fishing contests for children 12 and younger plus a free hot dog lunch.
Medals will be given out for the largest and smallest catches of the day, which can be taken home or released back into one of the two park lakes. Every child receives a goody bag.
> THE 411: Take a Kid Fishing. Free. Preregistration required. 7:30 a.m.-noon. June 14. Laurel Park. 151 Manning Road, Marietta. 770-794-5601.
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