Perth Amboy to Host 40th Annual Raritan Bay Fishing Derby

Date: Saturday, September 14, 2024 | Time: 9 AM - 12 PM

Location: Harborside Marina, 250 Front Street Perth Amboy

PERTH AMBOY – September 11, 2024 – Perth Amboy is preparing to host the 40th-annual Raritan Bay Fishing Derby at the Harborside Marina on Saturday, Sept. 14, open to the entire community.
The event, from 9 a.m. to noon, is free.
Michael Keller, former Director of Economic and Community Development who coordinates the yearly event, said this beloved tradition for children up to age 15 was launched four decades ago to encourage a fulfilling hobby.
“I have this saying: 'Get kids hooked on fishing, not drugs,’” Keller said.
He created the event in 1984, when the Harborside Marina on Front Street was built with a new fishing pier. What started as just a way to introduce fishing to a young audience turned into an annual city event.
“The annual fishing derby is a tremendous event for our City and puts a spotlight on the recreational offerings we have on the Raritan Bay,” said Mayor Helmin Caba. “I look forward to this event year after year, as do so many children from Perth Amboy who participate or come down to observe.”
The Raritan Bay Anglers Club has supported the event for 14 years, and it donates fishing equipment for the children. Many of its members also volunteer to help younger participants learn the sport.
The derby used to take place annually in June but was moved to September to coincide with the snappers’ arrival in the Raritan Bay. The event offers panoramic views, with memorable sightings on the water, such as ocean sunfish.
There are prizes for Smallest, Largest, Most Unusual & Most Fish Caught in each group. Participants should bring your own pole, reel, and bait, but gear is available for those who need it.
“Our goal is to expose kids to fishing at a young age so it can be a skill to take with them as they grow up,” Keller said. “I’ve seen fishing grow into a lifelong passion for many of them. Some even now have their own fishing boats!”
Fishing isn’t the only attraction of the day. A casting contest in the marina parking lot will have more experienced participants show off their skills.
In his 40 years running the event, Keller said he has seen it evolve into an event that children eagerly attend year after year. He credits the City of Perth Amboy’s Department of Recreation for making the derby possible.
“I’m so grateful for how supportive the city and the department of recreation have been,” Keller said. “And every time we do this event, I say to myself, ‘Thank god we have the waterfront!’”
Ken Ortiz, Superintendent of the Office of Recreation, praised the longstanding tradition of the event and the collaborative effort involved.
“The Fishing Derby has been a staple in our city for 40 years, and it’s amazing to see how it continues to bring families together,” Ortiz said. “Our team, including staff and volunteers, works hard to ensure everything is ready, from setting up to assisting with registration and helping the kids on the day of the event.”
Ortiz expressed his appreciation to Keller for creating the event and for the Raritan Bay Anglers' continued support in donating equipment and volunteering their time each year. “We’re proud to offer programs like this that engage our youth and highlight the beauty of the Raritan Bay,” he added.
Samantha Miranda, Recreation Supervisor, echoed Ortiz’s enthusiasm and shared her favorite aspects of the event.
“We assist with staff, registration both online and on-site, and the event setup,” she explained. “What I love most is seeing all the different age groups participating, especially the youngest ones, as young as 3 or 4. It’s exciting to see the kids light up when they catch a fish—there’s so much joy in what they discover!”