The 2017 fishing season opens at midnight, Saturday, April 22, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars will host the 66th Annual Aberdeen VFW Youth Fishing Derby at Lake Aberdeen. Kids can win prizes in three combined boys and girls age groups: 1- 5, 6 -10, and 11–15.

Registration begins at 5:30 a.m. near the boat ramp at Lake Aberdeen. The horn will sound at 11 a.m. closing the tournament. Prizes will be presented as soon as possible following the closing.

There is no fishing license requirement for the kids, and they keep the fish they catch, within State Fish and Wildlife rules.

In years past the Aberdeen Veterans of Foreign Wars has had almost 500 youth competing in this fishing derby.

“We are hoping to see several hundred kids fishing and having fun this Saturday,” said Commander Anthony Magri. “It is rewarding to see proud kids, and their parents, proudly present the fish they caught for weighing and measuring. They are also proud when they win a prize.”