During the 2013 Fort Sill Kids' Fishing Derby, with Medicine Bluffs as a backdrop, young anglers and their adult overseers were reminded yet again that any day fishing beats most any other activity. Medicine Creek will again serve up some tasty catfi...

Let's get those kids out fishing our 28th Annual Kids Fishing Derby is this Saturday from 7:30-10:30 a.m. at Medicine Creek near our Natural Resource offices for kids up through age 15.

How do you get there? The easiest way to find it is to head north on Fort Sill Boulevard. When it ends at a T, turn left on King Road. Go about 300 yards and King will T again. Turn right and follow directions to parking.

Where do I register the kids? There is no requirement to register ahead of time. Just show up at the creek and fish. No preregistration takes some of the hassle out for parents.

What's happening besides great fishing? Prizes will given for the largest and smallest fish caught in each age group: (3-5 years, 6-7 years, 8-9 years, 10-11 years and 12-15 years). The heaviest stringer in each age category will also receive a prize.

What if my kid doesn't catch a monster? Sportsmanship awards will be awarded based on participation in the educational programs and acts of sportsmanship while fishing.

Even if a kid has a hard time catching a fish they are always in the running for one of these.

What if my kid needs some help figuring out how to cast or even tie a hook on? Classes will be held by Lawton/Fort Sill Bass Club members for knot tying and casting. They will also be available to help fix reels and other fishing malfunctions. I bet you could even get some real good fishing information from them since these folks spend a lot of time fishing. Not to mention, with this many parents and biologists around you can always find some help.

Refreshments will be furnished by several sponsors when the kids need to take a break, but it is still a good idea to bring extra water. Also, even though there are plenty of trees be sure they have plenty of protection from Oklahoma's hot sun (hats, sunscreen, etc).

There are a few rules to follow. Each kid is allowed only one fishing rod. They must also have their own stringer or basket and a measuring tape, and an adult must also accompany them. One adult can sponsor several kids, but you need to keep them all close at hand.

Again this year we will require everyone to follow the regulations on how many and how big of fish they may keep. That means no more than six channel catfish, and they must be at least 10 inches long; only five largemouth bass, none of which may be between 13 and 16 inches with only two over 16 inches; and as many sunfish as you can catch.

Those are the main species caught but any others must follow the limit in the regulations. Don't worry there will be folks around to help you figure it all out and answer questions. We don't plan to write any of our young anglers tickets, but this is in an effort to help everyone understand they must follow size and bag limits.

Now for all of you helpful parents, adults may only instruct their children in casting, retrieving or landing fish during the derby. Adults should express the importance of safety, sportsmanship and conservation to the kids. Particular attention should be given to removing litter, carefully handling unwanted fish, and explaining regulations that protect these resources.

So bring your kids out and have some fun. As always, if you don't have any kids, then go find some to borrow and bring them out for some fun. The derby is a great place to be!

Our next Fort Sill Sportsmen Safety Class is June 9 at 6 p.m. in the Natural Resources classroom in Building 1465. It lasts about 90 minutes. If you plan any recreation on Fort Sill range lands, this class is a must. Fort Sill Regulation 200-1 requires anyone on the range who is more than 100 feet from a paved road to have a range pass. To receive one of these passes you must have taken this class. Another class is June 21 at 9 a.m.