Team Edwards hosts fishing derby at Branch pond Published June 26, 2007 By Wanda Deal 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Youngsters and their families are invited to join a fishing derby at Branch Memorial Park on the Fourth of July. The annual event -- "Fishing Derby 4 Kids" -- is open to all Edwards youth ages 1 through 16. The fishing derby will be from 6 to 9 a.m, with prizes presented at 9:30 a.m. Breakfast, drinks and snacks will be provided during the derby. In order to compete in the fishing derby, children must be accompanied by an adult with a valid fishing license. Fishing permits can be obtained at Outdoor Recreation. "The derby starts early, but there will be free food and drinks, so the kids don't have to eat breakfast before they come," said Mark Hagan, Edwards conservation manager. "We are going to have volunteers who can help children learn how to fish. Limited bait and fishing poles are also provided for use." This year, the Edwards Fishing Club and members from the 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron have partnered with the volunteer wildlife conservationists to sponsor the contest. "The Edwards Fishing Club plans to set up a fish cleaning station and have donated some incredible prizes this year," Mr. Hagan said. There will be three age classes: 1 to 5 years, 6 to 10 years, and 11 to 16 years old. Branch Park, located near the South Gate, is a small man-made oasis and is the only place to go fishing on base. The park features grass, trees and a five-acre fishing pond. It provides habitat for channel catfish, largemouth bass and bluegill. There may also be some carp, western pond turtles and crawfish in the pond. Volunteers from the 31st TES have already been to Branch to clear away some cattail and make room for more fishing areas. For more information on the fishing derby or Branch pond, call Mark Hagan at 277-1401, Richard Paquette at 277-5787 or Wanda Deal at 277-1426.