Having fun, spending time in the great outdoors, and perhaps catching a fish for the first time in their life, these were some of the goals of the youth at the First Annual Young Angler Tournament at the Oceanside Pier on August 7, 2010.

Held on a beautiful day at one of California’s iconic piers, 109 youth between the ages of six and sixteen competed for prizes as well as the traditional bragging rights for the most and biggest fish. Points were awarded for a variety of fish and the pier’s reputation for producing nice-sized spotfin croaker proved true and provided the eventual winner his winning fish.

Two spotfin croaker

In reality all were winners in the tournament sponsored by the International Game Fish Association (IGFA), United Pier and Shore Anglers of California (UPSAC), and the Oceanside Pier Bait Store. Although there were individual prize winners for each of the age categories, every participant received a goody bag of fishing related prizes as well as free food and the chance to win some great raffle gifts.

A nice yellowfin croaker

Many of the youngsters brought their own rods and reels but 50 loaner outfits were provided by IGFA for those without tackle. Free bait as well as terminal tackle was provided for all participants by the pier’s bait shop. Catherine Miller and the San Diego Sportfishing Council provided many of the gifts. Ed Gonsalves and his crew at the bait shop cut up the bait early in the morning and put it in Baggies for the anglers.  Pam spent much of Friday preparing the bags of goodies while also getting together the various food items and cooking equipment that would be needed on Saturday.  On Saturday a large group of helpers set up the fishing poles, signed in participants, and helped as judges during the event.

A baby shark

Although some of the anglers were “Pier Rats” whose knowledge of local fishing techniques was obvious, many of the participants were novices who had never fished in their life. They perhaps had the most fun as the majority of the participants caught at least a few fish.

A spotfin croaker

Another spotfin croaker

In attendance, representing the IGFA was International Game Fish Association Trustee Michael Farrior. Founder and President Ken Jones as well as Board Members Ben Acker and Eugene Kim represented UPSAC.  Pam and Ed Gonsalves represented the pier’s bait store and provided invaluable help with the food, prizes and tackle.

IGFA Trustee Michael Farrior together with Pam and Ed Gonsalves of the Oceanside Pier Bait & Tackle shop 

According to Farrior, “The age groups correspond with the ages of the IGFA Small Fry and Junior memberships and each participant will receive a free membership.” Jones commented “youth tournaments such as this help UPSAC meet one of its main goals, the promotion and education of recreational fishing for youth.”

United Pier and Shore Anglers of California (UPSAC) members Ben Acker (DompfaBen) and Eugene Kim (Kelpangler)

Following the three-hour derby, a raffle was held that included Okuma rods and reels, binoculars, and hats. Soon after, all participants received their “goody bags” full of fishing equipment, Frisbees, magazines and other items.

Each of the age division winners won a rod and reel, a copy of Pier Fishing in California, and an impressive certificate from the IGFA. David Hernandez, the overall champion, received the same gifts but an even larger certificate and will have his name put on the beautiful perpetual trophy done by wood sculptor David Wirth.

UPSAC President Ken Jones tabulating the results

UPSAC President Ken Jones putting a winner’s name on a certificate

The age-group winners were: 6 Year Old—Josiah Espino; 7 Year Old—Javier Cordova; 8 Year Old—tie—Zachary Perez and Nathaniel Gonzalez; 9 Year Old—Riley Jarman; 10 Year Old—Ian Odnstock; 11 Year Old—Nicholas Tagle; 12 Year Old— Luis Madrigaz; 13 Year Old—Luke Konyn; 14 Year Old David Hernandez; 15 Year Old—Jared Gauthier; 16 Year Old—Julia Gauthier. Grand Champion—David Hernandez.

Most of the winners

 The Grand Champion—David Hernandez.

All agreed the tournament was fun and the organizers vowed that next year the tournament will be even bigger and better.