City of Long Beach
Public Information Office
411 W. Ocean Blvd,
Long Beach, CA 90802
www.longbeach.gov

Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM), in partnership with the Daniel Hernandez Youth Foundation and California Department of Fish and Wildlife, invites local youth to participate in the annual Youth Fishing Derby taking place Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at El Dorado East Regional Park (7550 E. Spring St.). The Youth Fishing Derby is a free event that connects local youth ages 18 and younger and their families with the opportunity to learn to fish.

"The annual Youth Fishing Derby is about more than just fishing," said Mayor Rex Richardson. "It's about creating equitable access to nature, building positive community experiences for our youth, and connecting youth to new hobbies and skills all right here in our beautiful El Dorado East Regional Park."

During the Youth Fishing Derby, participating youth will be introduced to the joysof fishing, learn new skills, connect with nature and strengthen social connections with family and friends. Fishing poles and tackle will be provided to participating youth at no cost during the event; youth may also bring their own fishing gear. Participants will receive assistance from experienced volunteers and staff, making the event accessible even for first-time anglers.Teens age of 16 and older are required topresent a valid California State Fishing License toparticipate.

"The Youth Fishing Derby at El Dorado Regional Park is a longstanding fall tradition for many families across Long Beach," said Fourth District Councilman Daryl Supernaw. "This event is an opportunity for youth to enjoy their weekend outdoors, learn something new and maybe spark a life-long hobby."

Offered by PRM through a collaboration with the Daniel Hernandez Youth Foundation and their Meet Me at the Lake program, and funded in part through a grant provided by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, for nearly25 years the Youth Fishing Derby has offereda unique learning experience for Long Beach youth to engage in outdoor recreation, connect with nature, and spend the day participating in a safe, healthy and positive environment.

The derby will take place inArea 2 at Model Boat Lakewithin El Dorado East Regional Park. Registration begins onsite at 8 a.m. and a freeraffle will begin at 1 p.m. for the chance to win prizes like fishing gear and gift cards, provided by Partners of Parks and the Daniel Hernandez Youth Foundation. Vehicle entry to El Dorado East Regional Park will be waived for event participants.

"The free kids fishing event at El Dorado East Regional Park is an event our youth foundation always looks forward to every year and is very proud to be a part of," said Daniel Hernandez, Chairman, Daniel Hernandez Youth Foundation. "We are excited to be a part of this amazing event again and look forward to seeing hundreds of families attending with all their kids. We are proud to be a partner of this fine event."

"The California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Fishing in the City Program is once again proud to be a partner at the annual Youth Fishing Derby at El Dorado Regional Park," said Brian Young, California Department of Fishing and Wildlife FIC Coordinator. "This event continues CDFW's commitment to outdoor education, equitability, and inclusion across California.

The Youth Fishing Derby uplifts priorities of PRM's Parks Make Long Beach Strategic Plan by increasing accessible opportunities for youth participation in recreation programs and events by removing barriers.

More information about The Daniel Hernandez Youth Foundation is available at danskids.org. For more information about the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, visit wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing.

For more information about the Youth Fishing Derby, call El Dorado East Regional Park at 562.570.1771.

Discover PRM's full lineup of parks, facilities, programs and services available for the Long Beach community at LBParks.org. Sign up for PRM's community newsletter, We Create Community, at lbcity.info/PRMnewsletter.

About the City of Long Beach
Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000 people. As an award-winning full-service charter city, Long Beach offers the amenities of a metropolitan city while maintaininga strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods, culture, and community. With a bustling downtown and over six miles of scenic beaches, Long Beach is a renowned tourist and business destination and home to the iconic Queen Mary, nationally recognized Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Airport, the award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-class Port of Long Beach.

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov/. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube. More information about the Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine is available at LBParks.org and by following us @LongBeachParks on Facebook,Instagram and X.