Photo courtesy of the MLFA

A young fisherman from the 2008 Mukilteo Lighthouse Festival Fishing Derby shows off his prized fish.

Kids who can snag the big one – or rather the biggest one – will be winners of this year’s annual Fishing Derby at the Mukilteo Lighthouse Festival.

Children between the ages of 5-14 are welcomed to show up to the fishing docks next to Ivar’s seafood restaurant on Saturday, Sept. 10, to enjoy two hours of fishing starting at 8 a.m.

The event is sponsored by the Mukilteo Boys and Girls Club.

“They [the Lighthouse Festival] are always looking for kids activities,” said Chuck Davis, the coordinator of the Fishing Derby.

Davis, director of the Boys and Girls Club, and said he enjoys helping contribute to lighthouse festival activities for kids.

“What I like about it is that some kids who have never done it will get a cheap pole, come out to the dock and catch the fish, no matter how big or small it is,” he said. “They’re excited about it.”

Kids participating will be divided into four age groups: 5-7, 8-10, 11-12 and 13-14. The child from each group who reels in the biggest catch will be awarded a prize.

Derby prizes include fishing supplies, such as fishing poles and tackle. Mukilteo Lodge is donating some of the prizes.

For 35 years, Mukilteo youth have ventured down to the docks to enjoy the pastime, Davis said.

“I think it’s just another tradition,” Davis said.

Davis has been in charge of the Fishing Derby ever since its inception. Though he admits he is not much of a fisher, he said he always enjoys coordinating the Fishing Derby.

“It’s just the kids enjoying it,” he said of what he loves most about the event.

No need to pre-register. Interested kids should show up at the docks on the day of the Fishing Derby with their fishing supplies.

Winners do not necessarily have to catch fish. Children competing in the derby can fish for any sea creature they can catch.

“We’ll take whatever they can pull up,” Davis said. Over the years, Davis has seen kids catch many different sea creatures, from salmon to crabs to starfish.

Local resident Shawn Roten Jr. will be at the docks to help assist the children as well.

Roten, now 22, was a regular competitor in the Fishing Derby as a child. He first entered the competition when he was five, and has returned each year since.

 “It’s one of those things where it’s an annual, once-a-year event,” Roten said. “I always find time to do the Fishing Derby.”

The kids will release the fish back into the water after they are measured, he said.