First annual Tea Fishing Derby casts off May 31 at City pond

Area youth are invited to reel in the fun on May 31 at the First Annual Tea Fishing Derby held at the City Pond.

Michael Caalim recently moved to Tea from Rohnert Park California where for the past 40 years, a fishing derby has taken place that has held a special place in his heart, and an idea for a new event he couldn’t ignore. 

“I didn’t see any event like this locally and so I thought I would try to bring a very happy piece of my childhood to Tea,” Caalim said.

Now, more than ever, Caalim is working on bringing pieces of his childhood to life for a very special reason. 

“I do foster care and wanted my boys to have an event like this,” he said. 

While the event will be new to Tea, Caalim hopes all that participate experience the great time he had in California. 

“I hope everyone gets to experience the camaraderie on the lake, I made several friends while participating in the derby back home, and I want my foster kids to experience a wholesome event that brings a community together,” he continued. 

Getting right to work to make the event happen this year, Caalim met with the Tea Parks & Rec department to get the ball rolling. 

“Jake from Parks & Rec has been a phenomenal help at getting this started with me and helped me get in touch with several area residents who have offered to assist me when it’s time to hold the derby,” he said.

The team has been working together to find a sponsor to help add a few extra fish to the pond and help keep the ecosystem stable in the pond. 

“We are planning to stock the pond with fish for the event, and that is what our primary donorship request is for. The current goal is 125 trout, 15 salmon, and 30 to 40 yellow perch, which would be on top of the regular Game, Fish, & Parks stocking of the lake,” he said.

Working with the Tea Parks & Rec and the Game, Fish, & Parks teams has helped Caalim gain insight on age range for the contest at the City Pond located at Brian and Main, next to the swimming pool. 

“We are hosting this event for all those aged two through 15, we did have to cap the age at 15 because we do not want to run the risk of running afoul of state fishing license requirements,” Caalim said. 

Older participants are encouraged to participate by helping younger children learn the rules of the lake.

Participants will be broken up into three age categories, two through eight, nine to 13, and 14 to 15. 

“Right now, the only trophies on the docket are for largest fish by age group, but I do plan on making a separate trophy regardless of age for the largest yellow perch. Community residents have offered to provide things for prizes, and I’m still hoping to find additional sponsors who can assist and plan to privately purchase some things as well,” he said.

Qualification and experience aren’t necessary to come out and try a new family-friendly activity. 

“Fishing derbies are great for the experienced and inexperienced alike, they are a great way to expose kids to a venue that is here locally where they can experience fishing with the help of someone who already has some experience to help them if needed,” he said. 

Caalim wants every family to experience the lasting memories of a fishing derby.

“With any luck the kids will have great memories with their families, and it’s very likely that the kids will be able to make new friends over a new shared interest and perhaps for those who have yet to experience much of the outdoors, a new fondness for getting out into nature, especially now in the day and age of electronics,” Caalim said.