Also thinking about having a fishing tournament for the local kids. Anyone do this?
One good way to do a fishing derby is to contact any of the Boy Scout troop leaders that you may know. The advantage to that option is that the kids have one additional layer of supervision beyond what just you can do alone. (Which is very good to follow your pond "rules" and keep an eye on kids around water that may not be able to swim.)
Also, if you want the kids to target something in particular, then you need to be in charge of the tackle that is used. For example, with larger hooks you can make it so they catch many more GSF than BG.
There is an actual Fishing merit badge. The old requirements included; catch, clean, and cook a fish.
I do have a troop out to our property at least once a year (not for fishing). They also leave the property cleaner than they found it because the leader explains to them that access to private land is a privilege.
Another fun option that I have done is a wheelchair fishing derby. We did it several times on a large private reservoir with wheelchairs in bass boats. I was both a fishing helper, and the certified life guard for one of the groups of boats. Obviously, that will only work at your pond if you have lots of flat spaces with short grass. (However, those derbies are some of my best memories when we timed the bass starting to spawn and the crappie already on the brushpiles.)
I hope that gives you a few ideas that may work in your area.
