PROGRAMS
OUR SIGNATURE PROGRAMS:
ANNUAL SUMMER FISHING DERBY
First organized in 1997 as a gateway to positive summer activity for school-age children. We focus on the five Fs – fishing, fun, family, food and friendship. It really brings the community together on that day. Old friends meet and many families come year after year. From toddlers to seniors the annual derby is enjoyed by all. It’s become an annual event attracting over 300 children and families each year. Prizes are given in various categories and a free lunch is served. Derby 26 will take place on June 7th, 2025 8am-4pm, at the Ivan Lebamoff Reservoir Park located at 2300 S. Clinton Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana.
ANNUAL FALL FISHING DERBY
The club sponsors a Fall Fishing Derby to close out the summer with one last fall fishing classic where families can enjoy the thrill of landing the big one while watching the leaves turn. All ages are welcomed to register for the chance to win a grand prize which is awarded to the angler that catches the largest fish! The Fall Family Fishing Derby takes place SEPTEMBER 27TH, 2025 8am-12pm, at the Ivan Lebamoff Reservoir Park located at 2300 S. Clinton Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana. Come out and try your luck!
2025 GRASSROOTS FISHING
Club members will be fishing throughout the city this spring and summer once a month at various locations. The club invites community members and their families to come out and join us as we attempt to land the big one while practicing conservation at the locations and times listed below:
SUMMER FISHING PROGRAM
Partnering with organizations like the Boys & Girls Club, Weisser Park Youth Center, and the Jennings Center, the club sponsors and annual summer program where children learn about the life-long sport of fishing. They go on three to five fishing trips beginning early summer and ending late fall. Young anglers learn how to catch fish; how to care for the catch; how to be safe around the water, and how to care for the environment. Parents are welcomed and encouraged to come on these trips. The Annual Fishing Derby kicks off our Summer Fishing Program.
BEAMON’S BACKYARD BASS CONTEST
Little anglers practice casting, fish identification skills, and learn other important rules and regulations related to fishing. The one who catches the biggest bass wins the prize.
LILLY MAE’S CATCH OF THE DAY & IVAN LEBAMOFF’S CATCH OF THE DAY
Boys and girls can receive prizes for catching the biggest fish and in the Beamon Backyard Bass Contest. Ivan Lebamoff’s Catch of the Day goes to the boy with the biggest fish and Lilly Mae’s Catch of the Day goes to the girl with the biggest fish. Other prizes are awarded as available.
BEAMON’S BACKYARD BASS CONTEST
Little anglers practice casting, fish identification skills, and learn other important rules and regulations related to fishing. The one who catches the biggest bass wins the prize.
AC URBAN GARDEN
An urban/community garden located near downtown Fort Wayne within two miles of Electric Works. This garden is intended to inspire tranquility, serenity, and peace within our community while cultivating change by introducing youth and community members to sustainable gardening in the midst of an urban environment.
MLK BACKYARD FISHING DAY
Preschool children are introduced to the sport of fishing. We have lots of fun teaching the children how to cast and catch backyard bass using the tiniest fishing poles.
EXPLORE FISHING
This is one of our newest programs. We’ve partnered with The Urban League Youth and have collaborated with their youth coordinator. Children are introduced to the sport of fishing and they participate in a day of “backyard bass” where they learn to handle a rod and reel, cast, teamwork and leadership. Once the basics are learned, they will go on a fishing trip where they practice “catch and release”. If you want to see photos from this very fun day, check out our Facebook page.
GO FISHING
With this program we have partnered with the Boys and Girls Club of Fort Wayne, Indiana and is our opportunity to introduce the sport of fishing to the local urban population. We are in the development process for this program.
PAST PROGRAMS:
FISHING 101
The Fishing 101 program allowed scouts to earn merit badges associated with fishing. We enjoyed this program immensely. However, the National Scouts of America has since taken over this program.
URBAN FARMER / URBAN GARDEN
Ephraim Smiley, The Garden Coordinator for The Urban Farmer program used to be an extension of Fort Wayne Community Fishing Club. However, it is now a part of the Fort Wayne Urban Farmers. The Urban Farmers grown, donate, and deliver thousands of pounds of fresh produce to soup kitchens, shelters, churches and local food banks.