PEDRO — The Wayne National Forest’s Ironton Ranger District will host the 13th annual JAKES Kids Fishing Derby at Lake Vesuvius from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday.

Kids and youth aged 17 and under, accompanied by a parent or guardian, are invited to come out to the lake’s boardwalk with their fishing poles, tackle boxes and bait to take part in the free fishing derby, which includes a lunch of hot dogs and beverages.

Derby registration will be open from 9:15-10 a.m. at the Lake Vesuvius boat ramp, with the fishing competition beginning around 10 a.m. Derby winners will be announced at 2 p.m. 

JAKES, a program developed by the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), stands for Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship, and is dedicated to informing, educating and involving youth in wildlife conservation and the wise stewardship of our natural resources.

In addition to the fishing competition, the JAKES Take Aim trailer will also be present at this year’s event. Lawrence County’s NWTF South Hills Longbeards Chapter will be bringing the Take Aim trailer, a fully equipped trailer that transports everything needed to set up an outdoor airgun range and teach the basics of range safety.

This event is in partnership with the NWTF, Izaak Walton League of America and the Pedro Bass Club.

Information on the event is available by calling the Wayne National Forest’s Ironton Ranger District at 740-534-6500. Participants should bring their own fishing poles, buckets, bait and chairs; however, some poles and bait will be available for children who do not have their own. All who attend are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather, including bringing a hat and sunscreen.

For additional safety of derby attendees, the boat ramp will be closed during the event, and will reopen after the event has concluded at approximately 3 p.m.