Free Fishing Derby For Kids - Brighton Michigan

Saturday, June 8th, from 8:30-11:00, the Brighton Optimists will hold their annual Free Fishing Derby for Kids in Downtown Brighton, at the Millpond.  Registration starts at 7:30am.

Bring your rod and reel and a bucket for the fish. This is a catch and release event. We also have a limited number of loaner poles and buckets.  Free bait while supply lasts.  We will provide free pizza to the kids and the local jump rope team (Jumpin' Allstars) will be performing prior to awards.

While you’re downtown for the fishing derby on Saturday, be sure to check out the Farmer’s Market.  The kids will enjoy the Imagination Station, too.  And if they get warm, you can cool them off at Jack’s Custard, the Dairy Queen, or the Yum Yum Tree.  Plenty of options!  For a complete list of downtown events and businesses, check out the downtown Brighton web site!


The Brighton Optimists are looking for community service-minded individuals. If you have an interest in making your community a better place to live, contact them at info@BrightonOptimist.org.

Brighton Optimist Club - Free Fishing Derby For Kids - June 7th

This Saturday, June 7th, the Brighton Optimist Club will be holding its 22nd annual Free Fishing Derby For Kids at the Brighton Millpond.

Free to kids under 16, there will be awards in various categories across three age groups, free bait, a Lil' Anglers event for children 4 and younger, and a casting contest. A large display tank will show some of the better catches that day.

Bring your rod and reel and a bucket for the fish. There will be three weighing/counting stations available, and all fish are to be released after being recorded. There are some loaner rigs available and free bait, while supplies lasts. The first 400 kids registered will also get a tee shirt.

Registration starts at 7:30 am and the Derby runs 8-11 am. Souvenier picture fishing licenses are also available, but pictures must be taken prior to 10:30 am. Pizza will be served to the kids at 11. While results are being tallied, a local Jump Rope Team, the Jumpin' Allstars, will entertain the crowd. This event is totally FREE!

The Brighton Optimist Club is celebrating its 30th anniversary of "Bringing Out The Best In Kids" this year. This is the longest continually running fishing derby in the State of Michigan. Feel free to contact me with any questions about either the Fishing Derby or the Brighton Optimist Club.