Annual St. Joseph Fishing Derby honors legacy of Dick Adkins
ST. JOSEPH, Mo (KQTV) -- An upcoming annual St. Joseph tradition will honor the legacy and memory of a longtime St. Joseph resident and business owner.
The Northside Neighborhood Watch Association will host its fourth annual St. Joseph Fishing Derby will be held Saturday, June 6, at the Krug Park Lagoon.
The event was created to honor Henry “Dick” R. Adkins, who died in 2023. Adkins owned Dick’s Bait and Tackle and was known for his love of fishing.
Adkins owned his shop for 40 years before it was broken into and caught fire. His shop got moved on St. Joseph Ave but unfortunately end up closing later on.
Pat Jones, chairman of the Northside Neighborhood Watch Association said the fishing derby used to be a standing tradition.
"Knowing Mr. Adkins' son Thomas we thought, let's bring it back and see if it's going to work and every year it just gets bigger and bigger. The kids really love it, and we love it," she said.
Big Daddy's Food Truck will be at the event, and a local group will hand out free fishing poles to children.
Children ages four to 12 can register for the event but must be accompanied by an adult with a fishing license. Registration begins at 8 a.m., and fishing starts at 9 a.m.
Jones said that Adkins loved kids
"We thought what better way than have this memorial and memory of him. He would of thought this was great," she said. This fishing derby is an honor of him and we're just more than glad to do this.
John Holland, vice president of the Northside Neighborhood Watch Association said that this event is not just a Northside thing.
"It's for the whole city of St. Joe. Come and enjoy a day with your kids. We'll have free worms. We're here just to have fun and there will be prizes given out. Just come and enjoy," he said.
Jones and Holland said the advice Adkins would have for the young anglers is "get a fish".
"Go fishing, take the kids fishing. It's a family affair," he said.
The Missouri Department of Conservation and the City takes care of Krug Park Lagoon all fish caught especially trout muse be put back in the pond alive.
