Local families enjoy Marysville's Fishing Derby

Kids cast their lines into the Jennings Park pond as part of the 25th annual Marysville Fishing Derby that was held on May 4.

The fishing derby is put on by the city of Marysville, the Everett Steelhead and Salmon Club, and other local organizations.

The club brings almost 2,000 fish to put into the Jennings Park pond as part of the event.

"What we're providing is a free fishing opportunity for kids ages 4 to 12," said Barry Martin, president of the Everett Steelhead and Salmon Youth Organization.

"What we want to do is encourage families to come out and fish, because they get to spend time together and it's a great healthy activity," he said.

Local parents said it was a fun event for their family.

"I think it's great," said local parent Chevy Charles.

For parent Jacob Gallagher it was the first time he was able to introduce his daughter to fishing.

"I think it's a good opportunity for kids to get out and do something they wouldn't do otherwise, which is fishing," he said.

Volunteers from the Everett Steelhead and Salmon Club also help families get set up at the event and help those who have never been fishing.

"If you don't know anything about fishing we'll come out and help you with that. We have all the equipment so you don't have to invest a dollar in it," said Martin.

"If you learn how to do it, then you can do it the rest of your life," he said.

The club puts on various fishing derbies in the county, including helping out with Marysville's annual event which is usually held in May.

"We really like to do it because we want to get people to come together," said Martin.

He hopes to encourage people to enjoy the outdoors.

"They're not playing video games or on their phone, they're enjoying today and the fabulous weather," said Martin.

With so many fish in the local pond most kids walk away with at least one fish and Martin's favorite part of the event is usually watching the kids reel in their first catch.

"Especially the small kids. Because we got some big three- to five-pounders out there and when they hook into one of those the fight is on," said Martin.

"It's amazing to watch their reaction when they catch that fish," he said.

Other community partners like Les Schwab and the Marysville Kiwanis Club also help with the event.

"The Kiwanis put on a pancake breakfast, so it really is a great community event," said Martin.