August 17, 2013 saw the 25th Annual “Kid’s Day on the Pier” at the Marin Rod & Gun Club in San Rafael, California. Co-sponsored by the IGFA (International Game Fish Association) and UPSAC (United Pier and Shore Anglers of California), an enthusiastic group of 68 youngsters, and a crowd in excess of 150 people, saw great weather and a variety of fish species being landed by the young anglers.
Loaner rods and reels were available as well as free bait and assistance when needed
Loaner rods and reels
UPSAC members getting the tackle ready
Do you need a rod?
It’s time to fish!
Carrie Wilson and Mary Patyten from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife set up a display and handed out literature to the families.
The Richmond-San Rafael Bridge sits next to the pier
Windbreaks provide some shelter from the wind and the sun
Thomas Orozco and a leopard shark
He’s got a jacksmelt
He’s got a blackperch
Thomas Orozco has another leopard shark
It was finally time to end the fishing and though action was a little slow, all of the youngsters seemed to have had a great time and many indeed did catch fish. Species of fish included leopard sharks, brown smoothhounds, bat rays, jacksmelt, surfperch and (after the derby) striped bass.
Combined with the fishing were a free hot dog lunch and an amazing group of prizes (every participant received a trophy and a rod and reel). The lunch and prizes were all provided by the Marin Rod and Gun Club.
Every participant received a trophy and a free rod and reel
Following the raffle, the various age-group winners were announced.Each individual winner received a beautiful IGFA certificate and a copy of Pier Fishing in California by Ken Jones. Age group winners also received 1st Place trophies for their catch.
Special award winners were: 1st Fish Caught: Jack T Rex (leopard shark); Most Fish Caught: Thomas Orozco (nine fish); Largest Fish Caught: Thomas Orozco (23-inch leopard shark). Age group winners: 6-year old and under: Asher Sweet; 7-year old: Justin Eitter; 8-year old: Bainy Reier; 9-year old: Zac Wexler; 10-year old: Joe Beam; 11-year old: Ryan Wilson; 12-year old: Hans Jones Jr.; 13-year-old: Ethan Delmonte; 14-year-old: Thomas Orozco
6-Year-Old Winner Asher Sweet
7-Year-Old Winner Justin Eitter
8-Year Old Winner Bainy Reier
9-Year Old Winner Zac Wexler
10-Year Old Winner Joe Beam
11-Year Old Winner Ryan Wilson
12-year old: Hans Jones Jr.
13-Year-Old Winner Ethan Delmonte
14-Year-Old Winner Thomas Orozco
Co-chairmen from the club were Joe Morrison and Bob VanderMeer while the MC was Dr. John Evans. Representing UPSAC were President Ken Jones, Vice-President Robert Gardner, Secretary Brian Linebarger, and Board Member Hans Jones. Representing the Pier Fishing in California website were members Chris, Alex, and Preston. Representing California Fish and Wildlife was Mary Peyton who manned a booth and signed up kids to the California Fishing Passport Program. A big thank you goes to the Marin Gun and Rod Club for hosting this annual tournament and allowing UPSAC to be part of the event.
Marin Rod and Gun Club members Gary Colemere and Joe Morrison with UPSAC President Ken Jones
