2024 — Al Pietrosilli’s Kid’s Day on the Pier — Marin Rod & Gun Club

Saturday, August 17 saw the 34th annual “Al Pietrosilli’s Kid’s Day on the Pier” at the Marin Rod and Gun Club. As always, a large group of volunteers helped out at the event and with their efforts the day’s activities run smoothly and efficiently.  Perhaps the only disappoint was in the number of actual participants. Although 84 youngsters had signed up, only 53 actually showed up along with roughly 100 parents and friends. No matter the number, the pier was filled with smiling faces along with hope and anticipation for a fish, maybe even a big fish. Some early morning pictures:

The “Doorway To Fish”

Registration was handled by club members Jeane Pietrosilli, Ann Marie, and Rita Magdamo (who’s also a PFIC member).

 The Marin Rod and Gun Club and Pier Fishing in California (pierfishing.com) brought free loaner tackle and people to help out at the event while the club provided the free bait. Assistance for the (often) newbie anglers was available from both club and PFIC members.

Setting up the rods and reels were club members Scott and Gary along with PFIC members Rita Magdamo, Hans Jones, Robert Gardner and Kyle Pease.

A number of judges were helping the kids record their catches including several Marin Rod & Gun Club members (and I didn’t get their names) as well as PFIC members Mel Kon and Hans Jones.

Kyle Pease

A nice variety of fish were caught by the young anglers including 3 striped bass, 2 leopard sharks, 1 bat ray, 1 halibut, and 18 jacksmelt. Several additional fish—striped bass, jacksmelt and perch were caught just prior to the official gun starting the derby.

The families:

Helping with water and recycling bottles was club members James and Daniella Hearn.

Rich Reano from Pier Fishing In California filmed the event.

Once the fishing was completed, every youngster received a free hot dog lunch courtesy of the club followed by the announcement of the age group winners. Each individual age group winner received a 1^st Place trophy and an autographed copy of Pier Fishing in California by Ken Jones of Pier Fishing In California who was making his twelfth appearance at the event. In addition Mimi FishFish provided free lures to every age winner.

 Nest up was the announcement of the winners in the various age categories. Age Group winners:

6-Year-Old — Milo Jayquish

7-Year-Old — Maximus Gerlach

 8-Year-Old — Cambria Simpson

9-Year-Old — Jake Mitchell

10-Year-Old — (Tie)

Joshua Montufor

Lilly Mitchell

Natalie Delreal

 11-Year-Old — (Tie)

Lorenzo Briosos

Valentino Ponce

 13-Year-Old — Mimi Sintchak

 14-Year-Old — Adrien Martin

Last but certainly not least was the raffle, which provided brand new rods and reels for EVERY youngster that was in the derby. It was fun watching the youngsters pick out their favorite rods and reels.

The free rods and reels given to every participant.

There are many, many volunteers to thank, those who assisted with registration, setting up the rods, reels and bait, the judges, and all the cooks and servers for the lunch. Too many to know all the names. But first and of upmost importance is Al Pietrosilli, the club coordinator for the event. He’s the one hitting the streets and getting the necessary donations (thousands of dollars) for the event, money that paid for everything from the food to the rods and reels. Naming the day in his name reflects the honor he has earned for his outstanding work on the derby over the years. A special,mention also goes to  Al’s assistant Joe Morrison who has for years helped coordinate  our various contacts, and to Dan Nonberg who handled most of the announcing at the event.