If you want to introduce your child to fishing or just get him or her outside for some fresh air where there’s beautiful scenery, the Leesylvania State Park kids fishing tourney provides the opportunity.

Every first Saturday of the summer months, families bring rods and reels to the marina in hopes of winning a trophy or ribbon for catching the biggest – or ugliest — fish.

These youth fishing tournaments are free, though parking will cost a few dollars. Because it’s for children up to age 15, a fishing license is not required as it would be for adults.

Future tourneys will be held Aug. 6 and Sept. 3 from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. Participants should bring their own fishing equipment and supplies. There is a store in the state park that sells bait, if needed.

Leesylvania State Park is located at 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Drive in Woodbridge and sits on the Potomac River, Neabsco Creek and Powells Creek.

Leesylvania State Park volunteers Don Fear and Will Selden award Nolan Villa, 7, a trophy for catching a four-ounce blue gill. Photo by: KJ Mushung

A Stafford County youth casts a line in the fishing tourney at Leesylvania State Park. Photo by: KJ Mushung

By: KJ Mushung

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