If the weather forecast holds up, Sunday's sunny skies and mild temperatures will be perfect for fishing. The 11th annual Warren Township Fishing Derby will be held at Inman Liberty Park behind the Warren Township Building off Ohio 550.
Registration begins at noon with the derby to be held from 1 to 3 p.m.
Jeff Knowlton, a township trustee for nine years, said the pond at the park will be stocked with catfish that the township has purchased, along with bluegill and bass.
Article Photos
SAM SHAWVER The Marietta Times
Don Flanagan and his daughter, Kyra, dropped a line into the pond at Inman Liberty Park in Warren Township during Warren Elementary School’s end of school picnic Wednesday afternoon. The park will be the site of a fishing derby Sunday.
"This is the first time we have advertised it as being open to the public," he said, adding that in years past the event has been attended by 80 to 100 township residents.
There is no cost to register; however, donations will be accepted to benefit the park and also for the Warren Volunteer Fire Department, whose auxiliary will provide food at the event.
"We purchase the fish...we have three shelters that can be reserved and walking trails and any money would help to maintain the park," Knowlton said.
Fact Box
If you go
What: 11th annual Warren Township Fishing Derby.
When: Noon to 3 p.m. Sunday; registration at noon, derby at 1 p.m.
Where: Inman Liberty Park behind the Warren Township building on Coffman Road, off Ohio 550.
Cost: Donations only; proceeds will help with park maintenance.
Details: Open to all ages; children 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult; those 16 and older must have Ohio fishing license. Anglers must provide own equipment, bait will be sold. Dock available for those with disabilities. Prizes will be awarded and food will be served by the Warren Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary.
For information: 374-9970.
Inman Liberty Park is named for Rufus Inman, a Revolutionary War soldier who is buried in the Tunnel Cemetery overlooking the park, according to park committee member and township resident Hugh Coffman.
"The park was established in 1999 to provide recreational facilities to township residents," he said. "It gets a lot of use."
There are plans to expand the park and also to allow residents to plant trees in honor of loved ones and to create flower gardens.
Coffman said he never misses the fishing derby and enjoys the fishing himself.
"If I'm fishing then I don't have to do work," he joked. "The kids really enjoy it though."
The event is open to all ages and there will be prizes awarded in different age categories, according to Knowlton. Children 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult and those who are 16 and older must provide a valid Ohio fishing license.
Participants can keep two catfish. Organizers ask that other fish be put back. Anglers should bring their own equipment but nightcrawlers will be available for use as bait.
