KNOX COUNTY – The Knox County Park District has teamed up with Ariel-Foundation Park to hold virtual fishing tournaments for 2021.

Competitions will be held monthly from June through September for youth ages 7–18. The district had great success with virtual tournaments in 2020 and decided to again hold virtual fishing tournaments this year due to continuing health concerns from the COVID-19 crisis.

The tournaments will be hosted via a mobile app called Fish Donkey and will be limited to 75 entrants. Participants must fish from a body of water located within Knox County. Tournaments will be run from 8 a.m. – noon. There are no entry fees, prizes will be awarded to tournament winners, and all participants will be eligible for a grand prize drawing at the end of the tournament series.

Participants can find fishing spots at Knox County Park District’s Wolf Run Park pond, several lakes located in Ariel-Foundation Park, and the Kokosing River.

The tournament is sponsored by the Knox County Park District, the Ariel Foundation Park Conservancy, the Kokosing Valley Jr. Anglers and THR Creekside Home Inspections.

Participants are also invited to become involved with the Fish Ohio initiative. The program is offered through the Ohio Division of Wildlife and recognizes anglers for noteworthy catches of Ohio’s fish. Participants will have an opportunity to receive a collectible Fish Ohio pin with each qualifying catch. Every year, the pins will feature a different Ohio fish species along with the year. 

The Knox County Park District is committed to being a leader in efforts to acquire, conserve and manage Knox County’s natural resources to preserve the rural character and natural features of the county; protect unique historical resources; maintain green space; provide public access to parks and natural areas; and offer meaningful educational experiences.