Apollo Park Fishing Derby in Lancaster, CA

[Captain Catfish]

LANCASTER - Thousands of anglers from around Southern California are expected to compete Saturday in Apollo Park's spring fishing derby.

The four-hour competition offers cash prizes for the 10 heaviest trout legally caught from the park's lakes; last November's fall fishing derby first prize was $1,215 for a 5.15-pound trout.

Sponsored by the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, the North County Community Services Agency and the Quartz Hill Woman's Club, the fishing derby will raise money to put on Apollo Park's May youth fishing derby.

The adult competition will be from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday at Apollo Park, 4555 W. Ave. G. Fifty percent of all derby receipts will be awarded in cash prizes; the other half goes to pay for trout for the youth derby.

Tickets are $15 in advance by Friday and $20 on derby day. Registration will begin at 6 a.m. at the entrance gates to the park.

Anglers must be 16 or older and carry a valid fishing license. Minors ages 16 and 17 must be accompanied by a parent to collect prize money.

In the Antelope Valley, tickets can be purchased at George Lane Park, 5520 W. Ave. L-8, Quartz Hill; Karen's Kitchen #2, 840 W. Palmdale Blvd; and Karen's Kitchen #3, 235 W. Ave. K, Lancaster.

Apollo Park will be closed to the public one week before derby day for stocking of fish.