Although the morning’s thunder, lightening, and rain undoubtedly scared away some participants, thirty six youngsters still showed up for the First Annual Avila Pier Kid’s Fishing Derby on September 10, 2011.
Registration was handled by Tamra Spence and Cheryl Spence
I’m going to catch one this big! Dora and Elaine Liu
Warren Liu
Move your right hand up a little farther…
A “fishin’ family” and Hashem Nahid from UPSAC
UPSAC’s James Liu, Mike Spence (Santa), Dora Liu and Elaine Liu
You’ve got to check your bait
A happy young angler
It’s always good to take the daughter fishing
Sponsored by United Pier and Shore Anglers of California (UPSAC), the International Game Fish Association (IGFA), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the kids got a chance to fish with loaner rods/reels, received a free lunch, won raffle prizes, and received “goody bags” filled with a variety of gifts.
How about some ice cream with your fishing?
And though the fishing was slow—mackerel, sardines, sanddabs, sculpin, and perch—as well as a squid and several crabs, all the kids appeared to have a great time.
A small speckled sanddab
A small staghorn sculpin aka bullhead
How many did you catch? Four? Great!
One of the favorite times for the kids is the raffle and we had a plethora of different gifts, some small and some big.
UPSAC’s Central Coast Coordinator Mike Spence, Tamra Spence, a hidden Ken Jones, and Cheryl Spence
In the background, Denise and Louis Dornbush, owners of the Avila Pier Bait and Tackle shop
Amanda Liu
Age-group winners received new rods and reels, an autographed copy of Pier Fishing in California, a beautiful certificate from the IGFA, and copies of the California Finfish and Shellfish Identification Book. The winners were—6 Years and younger: Kylie Mazzanti; 7-year-old: Steve Lourenco; 8-year-old: Alvaro Bravo; 9-year-old: Mason Cazaet; 10-year-old: Nico Fanacchi; 11-year-old: Warren Liu; 12-year-old: Jason Burtneti; and 13-year-old Tanayra Bravo.
UPSAC Coordinator Mike Spence and 7-Year-Old Winner Steve Lourence
UPSAC Coordinator Mike Spence and 8-Year-Old Winner Alvaro Bravo
UPSAC Coordinator Mike Spence and 9-Year-Old Winner Mason Cazact
UPSAC Coordinator Mike Spence and 10-Year-Old Winner Nico Fanacchi
UPSAC Coordinator Mike Spence and 11-Year-Old-Winner Warren Liu
UPSAC Coordinator Mike Spence and 12-Year-Old Winner Jason Burtneti
Following the announcement of the age group winners was the handing out of the “Goody Bags” that contained even more gifts.
The volunteer workers were led by Derby Coordinator (and UPSAC Board Membe) Mike Spence. He was was assisted by fellow board member Hashem Nahid, UPSAC Treasurer James Liu, and UPSAC President Ken Jones. They were joined by Pier Fishing in California (pierfishing.com) member RobF, Louis and Denise Dornbush (owners of the Avila Pier Bait & Tackle Shop), Cheryl Spence, Tamra Spence, and John Burke.
Gifts were donated by the Avila Pier Bait & Tackle, The Tidepool (Cayucos), Oceanside Pier B&T, Promar, IGFA, NOAA and the California Fish and Game.
