July 21, 2012 saw the third of the four IGFA/UPSAC Kids Fishing Tournaments in California for the year. The locale was the Marin Rod and Gun Club Pier in San Rafael with a small but enthusiastic crowd of roughly 40 people. Luckily most of the contestants caught some fish, and for some it was the first fish of their life. Fish included a leopard shark, many, many jacksmelt, and small staghorn sculpin. One angler did see a large striped bass. Unfortunately he saw it when it pulled his rod and reel into the water.
The entrance to the Marin Rod & Gun Club Pier
As at previous contests, each angler was assured a lunch, a goody bag of gifts, a chance to win a raffle prize, and a chance at the trio of gifts won by each age group winner (a trophy, a beautiful IGFA certificate, and a signed copy of Pier Fishing in California by Ken Jones). When combined with a beautiful setting, sunny weather, free loaner rods and reels, and free bait, there really was no way to lose.
Lillie Dana handled registration
A California Department of Fish and Game booth was manned by Mary Patyten and Carrie Wilson.
The Fish and Game booth was a popular stop on the way out to the fishing
Her first jacksmelt
The catch of the jacksmelt is recorded in the “Passport”
This young man’s catch of a leopard shark elicited quite a bit of attention
Once the fishing ended every child and parent was given a hot dog lunch. Following lunch, was the raffle. Mary Patyten and Carrie Wilson from the Fish and Game Department were asked to hand out the gifts.
UPSAC’s Ken Jones announcing the start of the raffle
The final event was the announcement and distribution of gifts for the age group winners.
Congratulating the first winner
Age group winners: 5-year old Aika Thompson; 6-year-old Gilbert Mei; 7-year old Kimmy Bierman; 8-year old Luke Zhao; 9-year old Megan Ma; 10-year old (tie) Caspar Kazinski and Larry Zhao; 12-year old Thomas Orozco and 16-year old Daniel Gross. The award for largest fish went to Lucas Perry.
5-Year-Old Winner Aika Thompson
6-Year-Old Winner Gilbert Mei
7-Year-Old Winner Kimmy Bierman
8-Year-Old Winner Luke Zhao
9-Year-Old Winner Megan Ma
10-Year-Old Winner (tie) Caspar Kazinski
10-Year-Old Winner (tie) Larry Zhao
12-Year-Old Winner Thomas Orozco
16-Year-Old Winner Daniel Gross
The award for largest fish went to Lucas Perry
Putting on the event were Ken Jones, President of UPSAC, Robert Gardner, Vice President of UPSAC, Brian Linebarger, Secretary of UPSAC, Hans Jones, Board Member of UPSAC, Lillie Dana, Rob Gross and Alex Poon. Joining the UPSAC crew were Carrie Wilson and Mary Patyten from the California Fish and Game who manned a booth and signed up kids to the California Fishing Passport Program. A big thank you goes to Pat Lamos, Donny, and the entire crew at the Marin Gun and Rod Club for their help and assistance in the event.
The UPSAC crew — Lillie Dana, Hans Jones, Brian Linebarger, Robert Gardner and Alex Poon
UPSAC’s Ken Jones
Mary Patyten and Carrie Wilson from the California Department of Fish and Game
Robert Gardner, Vice President of UPSAC, Brian Linebarger, Secretary of UPSAC, Hans Jones, Board Member of UPSAC, Lillie Dana, and Rob Gross. Joining the UPSAC crew were Carrie Wilson and Mary Patyten from the California Fish and Game who manned a booth and signed up kids to the California Fishing Passport Program. A big thank you goes to Pat Lamos, Donny, and the entire crew at the Marin Gun and Rod Club for
