Fishing Derby Turns Hundreds Of Detroit Kids Into Anglers

DETROIT (WWJ) - More than 500 Detroit youth were transformed into angler's Saturday.

The 31th Annual Fishing Derby, hosted by Hook, Line & Sinker- and the Detroit Recreation Department took place at Lake Frances in Palmer Park.

Gary Williams, President of Hook, Line & Sinker, explained how a life changing experience inspired this event.

"I was in a boating accident 17 years ago where I lost a good friend of mine sitting right next to me," said Williams. "And when I was recuporting and I was asking my higher power,'Why did He spare me?', and this idea for Detroit area kids came to me, just as clear as day."

Williams says the kids get an opportunity to win fishing books, life jackets, T-shirts and even a mountain bike.

He says in addition to those prizes...each kid who participates gets fishing books, the official Detroit area kids fishing hat and mug.

Find out more about the weekend event - here.