August 15, 2018 saw the 30th Annual “Kid’s Day on the Pier” at the Marin Rod & Gun Club on San Quentin Point in San Rafael, California. The event was co-sponsored by UPSAC (United Pier and Shore Anglers of California), PFIC (Pier Fishing In California), and the IGFA (International Game Fish Association).
The day saw an enthusiastic group of 67 youngsters amidst a crowd of 175 people. The weather was great and the kids caught a fine mess of fish, which meant a lot of happy, smiling faces.
Loaner rods and reels were available as well as free bait and assistance when needed. Combined with the fishing was a free hot dog lunch and every participant received a rod and reel from the club.
The United Pier and Shore Anglers of California (UPSAC) and Pier Fishing In California (PFIC) brought tackle and people to help out while the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) provided certificates for the winners.
Dr. John Evans and his heavy pole for the big ‘uns
Dave DeJong and a California Halibut
Jacksmelt
52-inch leopard shark caught by David Shigematsu
After the fishing, it was time to retire to the clubhouse for lunch (hot dogs and chips), the award ceremony, and the raffle.
Each individual age group winner received a 1st Place trophy, a beautiful IGFA certificate, and an autographed copy of Pier Fishing in California by Ken Jones.
The 5-year-old and under winner: Ryan Radomski
The 6-year-old winner: Owen Radomski
The 7-year-old winner: Tyler Green
The 8-year-old winner (tie): Vincent DeJong,
The 8-year-old winner (tie): Logan Jackson
The 8-year-old winner (tie): Lucas Strosahlortega
The 9-year-old winner (tie): Parvati Nag
The 9-year-old winner: (tie) Parker Thompson
The 10-year-old winner (tie): Michael Monteiro
The 10-year-old winner (tie): Kody Monteiro
The 11-year-old winner: Kiana Choi
The 12-year-old winner (and overall champion): David Shigematsu
The 14-year-old winner: Dylan Monteiro
The largest fish of the day was a 52-inch leopard shark caught by David Shigematsu and a total of 77 fish were caught by the participants. Included were three leopard sharks, two California halibut, one striped bass, one bat ray and 69 large jacksmelt (12-14 inches).
Raffle Prizes — Every participant received a rod and reel
All agreed that it was another outstanding derby.
Representing the Marin Rod and Gun Club: Chairmen Gary Colmere, Vice-Chairman Roy Jackson, John Evans and upwards of 20 or more club members who performed a plethora of duties—serving as judges on the pier, cleaning and fixing rods and reels for both the derby and the raffle, cooking the hot dog lunch, setting up and cleaning the auditorium and kitchen, and helping announce the results of the raffle. A special thanks goes to Mary Ellen Smith who was busy doing many things—helping at the registration table, helping to tabulate the scorecards, helping with the certificates, and helping to cook the lunch. She stayed very busy!
Representing UPSAC: President Ken Jones, Vice-President Robert Gardner, and Secretary Brian Linebarger.
Representing the Pier Fishing in California (pierfishing.com) website family were the above UPSAC members as well as Melvin Kon (who took the pictures of the award winners and raffle winners), Kris Linebarger, Alex Poon, and David DeJong.
UPSAC Vice-President Robert Gardner
A huge thank you goes to the Marin Gun and Rod Club and the various other organizations and volunteers for putting on this great annual event.
Yesterday I got an early Father s Day present, the chance to fish on a new pier, or at least a new one for me, the Marin Rod and Gun Club Pier. I arrived late, the tides had changed, and action had slowed by my arrival, but I managed several nice-sized jacksmelt. But that s all. Still, I saw a good-sized leopard shark landed along with several more jacksmelt and was told some under-sized halibut had been landed during the morning tide.