By Louie Stout

It’s time for Michiana youngsters to register for one of Indiana’s largest kid fishing derbies slated for Aug. 12 at Worster Lake in Potato Creek State Park.

The St. Joe Valley Bass Masters will host their 41st annual event, opened to the first 300 kids to register. Applications must be mailed by August 7.Click here to download a registration form.

Historically, the event draws from 150-200 kids and has drawn as many as 300, all of whom go home with a t-shirt and a goodie bag filled with candy, school supplies and a few toys.

The event has become such a tradition that several parents of participating children took part in the derby when they were young.

The youngsters are divided into three age groups in boys and girls divisions. The age groups are 4-7, 8-11 and 12-14.

The prizes are dandy, too. Bicycles, TVs and electronics will be awarded to top three finishers in each age group and division.

All contestants must be signed in at Worster Lake by 8:30 a.m. with competition from 9-11 a.m. A hot dog lunch with soft drinks will be served afterwards and prizes awarded.

Scoring is based upon the number of inches of fish each child catches during the competition period.

Club members will be on hand to score and assist children, but the youths must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

For more information, go to www.stjoevalleybassmasters.com