Angling for free family fun? Check out a fishing event at popular Lenexa park

When it comes to an upcoming fishing derby, Judy Summers is a veteran.

At age 12.

The Overland Park middle-schooler has been throwing her line into the free Youth Fishing Derby since she was 3. Although bummed about age limits that make this Judy’s last derby, she’s enthusiastic about other kids getting involved.

“It’s fun because we get to fish, have fun and meet new people,” Judy said.

The Youth Fishing Derby will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at Rose’s Pond in Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park at 8801 Greenway Lane in Lenexa.

The catch-and-release derby is open to kids 13 and younger. Advance registration is open, but walk-ups are welcomed on Saturday. Participants will measure the fish before returning them to the pond. Prizes and giveaways will be part of the fun at the event, with awards offered for categories like smallest fish, largest fish and most fish caught.

Anglers can set up anywhere along the bank of the lake.

“The shoreline is large enough to accommodate all participants who spread out,” said Hailey Tassone, Lenexa Parks & Recreation’s recreation supervisor.

Fishing equipment will be available.

“We do generally have enough as most participants prefer to bring their own fishing poles and worms,” Tassone said. “We borrow these supplies from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, and they are also kind enough to donate worms for the event.”

Tassone said the event began about 12 years ago as part of the Get Outdoors Lenexa initiative, which aimed to encourage people to explore local parks.

“The Fishing Derby was originally a component of that program and remained so for many years before becoming a standalone event after Get Outdoors Lenexa was phased out,” Tassone said.

Tassone said about 130 people usually participate.

“It is a lot of families as this is a youth fishing derby,” Tassone said. “Parents can help their kids, but not fish exclusively for them.”

The participants should be old enough to fish with help from their parents, she said.

In the past, the program has drawn a handful of parents who aren’t able to teach their kids to fish.

“While we love to encourage new fishers, we do not currently have anyone to teach fishing,” Tassone said. “We recommend at least knowing how to cast and bait your own hook or having a parent present that can do so or assist.”

Other than that, all experience levels are welcomed.

“This is a low-stakes fishing derby with lots of young kids as well as more experienced kids fishing,” Tassone said.

Tassone said the pond is home to bluegill, channel catfish, largemouth bass and sunfish.

Last year, one participant caught a catfish that was nearly 20 inches at the community event.

“I think it’s a great way to get the kids in the community to get out there and get involved in nature,” she said. “Many young kids haven’t experienced fishing, and with it being at Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park, it is a great area for beginners, and a fun way to get a passion for fishing.

“We see lots of young kids having a great time, and getting a feel for fishing. Many are scared of the fish at first but have big smiles by the end of the event.”

Judy won the most fish caught at last year’s derby. Her take tallied more than 100 fish. Her advice to other kid anglers?

“Make sure you look behind you because you don’t want to hook anyone.”

Her favorite part of fishing is when there is a pull on the line.

“I like the fight the fish put up,” Judy said. “It gives me something to look forward to.”

This story was originally published June 11, 2025 at 5:00 AM.