3rd Annual 'Cops & Bobbers' Fishing Derby - 2023

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This event is the 3rd annual Fishing Derby hosted by our FOP Lodge in conjunction with the Village of Romeoville.  It is a free event for Romeoville residents 3-17 years old.  Registration is required by May 15th and limited to 150 participants.  Participants will receive complimentary giveaways and lunch (provided by the Hampton Park Social Athletic Club) but must supply their own equipment to fish.

This event will go on as planned rain or shine.  In the event of lightning or other dangerous weather, all fishing will be halted and attendees shall take shelter.  The event may be postponed until weather improves depending on the forecast and other factors but will not be rescheduled.

Event information and updates will be posted on this site and our Facebook event page.  Please Like and Follow us on Facebook.  Pictures will be posted to our Facebook event page following the event.

Locations:

• Wesglen Clubhouse (200 Wesglen Parkway, Romeoville, Illinois 60446)

Schedule:

• 7:00 - 7:30         Check in
• 7:30 - 10:30      Fishing
• 10:30                    Romeoville Fire Department demonstration
• 11:00                    Lunch
• 11:15                    Announcements and prizes awarded

Age groups:

• 3 -   6
• 7 - 10
• 11 - 14
• 15 - 17

Prizes will be awarded within each age group for the following:

• Most fish
• Largest fish
• Smallest fish

Scoring:

• Each fish caught must be counted by an event official.
• Fish size will be determined by length.
• Frogs and turtles do not count.
• Scoring decisions and winners will be decided by event staff and will be final.  There is no appeal process.  Remember, this is a FUN event for kids.

Rules:

• Participants must be 3-17 years old and a Romeoville resident or related to a FOP Lodge member.
• Participants must be accompanied by an adult parent/guardian providing supervision throughout the event.
• Participants must pre-register, check in before the event begins, and have a waiver signed by a parent/guardian.
• All fish must be released after being scored by an official.
• Adults may cast a line and unhook a fish, but the kid must hook and land the fish.
• Each participant may only have one pole in use (line in the water) at a time.
• Only participants may fish during this event.  Other attendees are prohibited from fishing.
• Fishing from a boat is not allowed.
• Participation is limited to 150 participants which MUST be pre-registered.  Walk-ins will not be allowed.
• Participants and attendees are expected to properly dispose all trash and clean up after themselves.
• Alcohol, smoking, and drugs are prohibited.
• Be respectful of private property adjacent to each pond and do your best to avoid being on it.
• Fishing locations are the private property of their respective homeowners associations.  Only participants of this event will be allowed to fish at these locations during this event.  Upon conclusion of this event, HOA fishing restrictions will be enforced by the HOA.
• Only barbless long shank hooks may be used to catch panfish (bluegill, perch, etc.).

Suggestions:

• Participants must provide their own bait and tackle.  None will be supplied.
• Bring plenty of non-alcoholic beverages and snacks.
• Bring a 5-gallon bucket for holding fish until an official is able to count the catches.
• Bring hand sanitizer, towels, sunscreen, and bug spray.
• We encourage (not required) any person unable to swim to wear a Coast Guard approved life-jacket throughout the event.