Berkeley Pier — 2012 Kids Fishing Derby

August 14, 2015 by kenjones

June 23, 2012 was the date and it was the first IGFA-UPSAC Kid’s Fishing Derby of the season. The day would see beautiful weather, a nice turnout of kids, and quite a few fish even if they were the of the super small category. In fact, one of the helpers suggested the event be called the “Bullhead Classic” in honor of the numerous bullheads (staghorn sculpin) caught by the participants.

But judging by the smiles, and the good-natured vibes of the participants, the size of the fish was of little concern. More important was the chance to have some fun and partake of the free loaner tackle, free bait, free lunches, numerous raffle prizes, and trophies and certificates for every age group winner.

The venue for the derby was the Berkeley Pier, the iconic 3,000 foot-long pier that was the first of more than 100 public piers in California. The bay was full of boats, the San Francisco skyline and Marin hills shined in the distance, and the fish, even if small (jacksmelt, perch, and bullheads), seemed to provide fun for the crowd of roughly 75 people.

Registration was handled by Lillie Dana

Robert Gardner and Brian Linebarger rig up the rods and reels

Loaner rods and reels

The derby was organized by United Pier and Shore Anglers of California (UPSAC)

Joining the UPSAC group that put on the derby was Carrie Wilson (L) and Mary Patyten (R) from the California Fish and Game Department. They handed out a variety of posters and books including the Fishing Passport Booklets. They then stamped the booklets as the kids caught a variety of species.

It’s “fishin” time

It’s good to have a helping hand

She caught a jacksmelt!

The jacksmelt earns a mark from Carrie Wilson on the Department of Fish & Game’s “Fish Passport Booklet”

Carrie Wilson

Thomas Orozco and an itsy bitsy, teeny weeny, yellow polka dot… (oops, got a little off track). It’s a small shinerperch showing the silver colors displayed by males during the spawning season

The main fish for the day were small staghorn sculpin aka bullheads

There were a LOT of sailboats on the bay

It was a beautiful day

Used fishing line goes into the recycle tube

The Marin hills off in the distance

Carrie Wilson from the California Department of Fish and Game and a happy young angler

A proud papa

It’s another shiner

Mary Patyten from the California Department of Fish and Game and another happy young angler. Smile!

Bullhead

A final bullhead

Following the fishing it was time for the hot dog lunch and then the raffle, something the kids always enjoy.

UPSAC President Ken Jones and Board Member Brian Linebarger announcing the raffle winners

As for the participants, every age group excepting one had a winner. The winners: (6-year-old)—Tie, Angel Baca and Fiona Klyashchitsky; (7-year-old)—Kimberly Biermann; (8-year-old)—Luke Zhao; (9-year-old)—Joshua Klyashchitsky; (10-year-old) Larry Zhao; (11-year-old)—Tie, Hans Jones Jr. and Jordan Mook; (12-year-old) Thomas Orozco; (14-year-old)—Tie, Brendan Linebarger and Katie Springer; (15-year-old)—Cassi Ortiz.