Bayside Anglers host fishing festival

Not even a steady rain could stop the Bayside Anglers Group Ltd. as they recently hosted their 11th annual Family Fishing Festival at Kissena Park Pond. A determined cadre of junior anglers defied the rainy weather in their quest to catch a prize-winning fish. Every kid fished well, with many catching their first fish ever.
&#8220The event came off without a glitch,” said Peter Scala, the Bayside Anglers Group president. &#8220We had 14 children as participants in a very rainy climate. All of the children caught a few fish each and were very happy. Many of the parents sent emails thanking us for holding the event and asking for notification of children's fishing events in the future.”
Bayside Anglers members gave lessons in baiting hooks, using tackle, and releasing the fish to fight another day. The kids were quick learners, and the adults were kept busy as the shouts of &#8220Fish On!” could be heard from all quarters.
As usual, local Flushing bait shops, First Fishing Tackle Shop and Fish Box Bait and Tackle, offered a helping hand, donating bait for the participants. The Angler party boat of Howard Beach came through once again, donating a pass for a free half-day fishing trip for each participant. Cold drinks were donated by Body Pro Collision of Bayside.
In addition to giveaways and raffle prizes, first, second, and third place trophies were handed out for the largest fish. Bass, perch and crappies were caught. The first place trophy went to Eric Guzman, second place to Bia Pecoraro, and third place to Chris Guzman, Eric's brother.
As always, the Bayside Anglers Group acknowledged the support of the NYS DEC, the NYC Parks Dept. Partnership for Parks, and the Urban Park Rangers, each of whom supply assistance in every facet of these events from the planning to the execution, and to The Fisherman magazine for their help in promotions.
The Bayside Anglers group was started in 1994 with a few fishing buddies. In 1995, they became incorporated are now a non-profit organization/fishing club who take part in tournament fishing. Their goal is to promote safe, effective, and environmentally sound recreational fishing practices.
For more information, go to www.baysideanglers.com. Other events sponsored by the Bayside Anglers include: Annual Family Fishing Festival, Annual BBQ, Annual Snapper Derby, Gantry Plaza Fishing Pier Children’s Fishing Clinic. They also hold club fishing excursions, swap meets, and an annual Holiday Party, which is held at Donovan’s of Bayside.
Other stocked fishing areas in the borough are: Baisley Park Pond in Jamaica, Meadow Lake in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Oakland Lake in Alley Pond Park, and Beach 13-15th Street in the Rockaways.