For Immediate Release:  May 22, 2007

Contact: Erica Asmus-Otero (505) 660-7017/Erica.asmus-otero@state.nm.us

Sugarite Fishing Derby, June 2-10

Offers Great Prizes

Free Kids Fishing Clinic Also on June 2

RATON, NM - Anglers who can land a tagged fish will have a chance at a $1,000 top prize during Sugarite Canyon State Park’s annual fishing derby from June 2 through June 10, co-sponsored by the Raton Kiwanis Club.

Last year (2006) was the first time that the derby ran for more than a week (eight days), instead of a single day.  

“Because a weeklong derby was so successful last year, we decided to extend it to nine days this year to give visitors a better chance at the prizes,” said Bob Dye, superintendent at Sugarite. “This is a great time of year to be at Sugarite; the weather is warming up and the fishing is great.”

With a nine-day event, participants will have a greater chance of catching a tagged fish and being entered into the big cash drawing. This year’s event at Lake Maloya will begin at 6:00 a.m. on June 2 and end at 12:00 p.m. on June 10.  

Participants at the Sugarite Fishing Derby pay a $10 registration fee and the appropriate day-use or camping fees. As a registered participant, an angler is qualified to try for 100 tagged fish, which will be stocked in Lake Maloya in time for the derby.

Anglers who catch tagged fish will automatically win a prize, such as outdoor equipment. Those anglers will then have a chance to win several cash prizes ranging from $100 to $1,000. In addition, registrants will be eligible for daily door prizes.  The Raton Kiwanis Club is donating money toward the cash prizes, while local merchants are donating some of the gifts.

The park will also host a free kids fishing derby on Saturday June 2, which coincides with Free Fishing Day (no fishing license required). The kids derby will run from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Participants are divided into age groups: 12 years and under, and 12 to 17 years old. There is no registration fee; however regular park fees apply.

Pre-registration for the adult derby, which began May 15, can be done at the Sugarite Canyon State Park Visitor Center, Radio Shack or Elite Sporting Goods in Raton. Participants can also register in the contest in order to turn in a tagged fish for the cash drawing.

For further information, call the park at (505) 445-5607 or visit www.nmparks.com

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