LONG BEACH PENINSULA, Wash. Black Lake on Washingtons Long Beach Peninsula will be the site of the 21st annual Black Lake Fishing Derby an opening-day trout fishing derby for kids. The free event will take place from 7 to 11 a.m. April 27, and is hosted by the City of Ilwaco (Wash.) Parks and Recreation Commission.

Fishing is a great way to build bonds and create fond memories, shared Mike Cassinelli, mayor of Ilwaco. This derby does that, and it encourages kids to get outside, have fun and learn something new.

During the derby, children ages 2 through 14 are invited to compete for the biggest rainbow trout caught in well-stocked Black Lake. Prizes, awarded in each of several age groups, will also be given for the highest aggregate weight of a participants catch.

Pre-registration by April 22 guarantees a T-shirt. Onsite, event-day registration closes at 9:45 a.m., with the last weigh-in at 10 a.m. Each registered participant will be offered free refreshments and a small gift. Online registration is available at www.ilwaco-wa.gov/forms/fishingderby.shtml

Families attending the derby can join in the fun that same day at the Long Beach Clam Festival, two miles from Black Lake in downtown Long Beach. For information, visit www.longbeachrazorclamfestival.com

Several other fishing derbies, open to young and old, take place on the Long Beach Peninsula throughout fishing season. Among them are the following:

Surf Perch Derby, May 18, Long Beach;

Ilwaco Charter Association Sturgeon Derby, Port of Ilwaco, June 1 through 30;

Ilwaco Charter Association Salmon Derby, Port of Ilwaco, June 23 through Sept. 1;

Reelin in Hunger OTC Ilwaco Tuna Classic, Port of Ilwaco, July 26 and 27.

Boasting the highest catch per unit of effort of any place on the West Coast, the ocean, bays, rivers and streams surrounding the Long Beach Peninsula have been longtime favorite spots for sports fishing enthusiasts.

Fishing is big on the Peninsula, added Andi Day, executive director of the Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Bureau. Ilwaco has been and continues to be one of the most sought-out fishing destinations on the West Coast.