News: 74th Annual Perry J. Spinelli Fishing Derby Returns on April 26th

Bristol Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services to host the 74th Annual Perry J. Spinelli Fishing Derby on April 26th

March 26, 2025 – [Bristol, CT] The City of Bristol Department of Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services (BPRYCS) will host its 74th Annual Perry J. Spinelli Fishing Derby on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM. Children ages 13 years or younger (of all skill levels) are invited to bring their fishing poles to Rockwell Park Back Pond for a morning of great catches, fun prizes, and memories to last a lifetime.

This year, the derby will be held at Rockwell Park Back Pond due to the Page Park revitalization project and ongoing construction. "Due to the ongoing revitalization project at Page Park, we're excited to move the derby to Rockwell Park Back Pond," said Amry Shelby, Recreation Supervisor. "While we'll miss having the event at Page Park, we're looking forward to a wonderful day at Rockwell Park and hope the community will come out and enjoy the new venue."

“There is no cost for registration or participation in the fishing derby. Registration is free and will take place between 7:00 AM and 7:30 AM at the pond with the first cast starting right at 7:30 AM,” explained Shelby. “We are looking forward to another great fishing derby and watching the community come together for a fun morning. We’ll be crossing our fingers for nice weather,” remarked Shelby.

Participants in the Derby are asked to follow a few rules in order to secure their catch. Each participant may use one fishing pole, one hook, and one bobber to catch their fish. Participants may lure their catches in with any legal bait, but artificial lures and gang hooks are not allowed. While this event is a family event, we ask that parents or guardians may assist in casting, but ensure the children land their own fish. Prizes will be awarded for a variety of categories.

In addition to the Fishing Derby, the City of Bristol will also be hosting a Community Clean Up Day on the same day, April 26, 2025. Participants of the fishing derby are encouraged to pick up supplies and participate in this important community event. Clean Up Day supplies will be available for pick up while supplies last from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM at the entrance to Rockwell Park, near the lagoon. Supplies will include garbage bags, gloves, a Beautify Bristol litter kit, event day t-shirt, instructions, locations of trash pickup areas, and safety guidelines. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own gloves if possible.

Recreation Program Assistant Madison Fostervold expressed gratitude to this year’s sponsors, “We cannot thank our sponsors enough for their generosity and support to keep this event going for 74 years. We would like to thank our sponsors, Bristol Fish & Game Associations, Bristol Fire Union, Bristol Police Union, City True Value, Bristol Professionals & Supervisors Association, and Oakland LLC for their continued support and ensuring another great year on the pond. Support helps to provide prizes as well as stock the pond.”

For more information regarding the 74^th Annual Perry J. Spinelli Fishing Derby, and for a full set of rules, community members are encouraged to visit www.bristolrec.com. The fishing derby is held rain or shine, and participants are encouraged to arrive at the Page Park Pond between 6:45 AM – 7:15 AM for registration.

For questions, please contact Madison Fostervold, Recreation Program Assistant, at madisonfostervold@bristolct.gov.