Ken Jones - Writer & Pierfisherman |

Oceanside Pier — 2012 Kids Fishing Derby

August 15, 2015 by kenjones

Beautiful weather, a great crowd of kids, and an enthusiastic group of volunteers helped make the 3rd Annual Oceanside Pier Kids Tournament on August 4, 2012 a great success. Under the sponsorship of the International Game Fish Association (IGFA), United Pier and Shore Anglers of California (UPSAC), Oceanside Pier Bait and Tackle, and joined by representatives from the California Fish and Game Department and NOAA, 110 youngsters had a chance to fish and enjoy a day at the iconic pier.

Registration was organized and handled efficiently by Pam Gonsalves and her team of helpers

Several pelicans make the pier their home

Free loaner rods and reels, free bait, free hot dog lunches, raffle prizes, and free “goody bag” for every youngster helped make it a fun morning. Age group winners in each category (ages 6-15) won trophies from UPSAC, a beautiful IGFA certificate, and an autographed copy of Pier Fishing in California by Ken Jones.

UPSAC President Ken Jones giving derby instructions

Cutting bait

Of course the chance to catch a fish was the prime motivation for the day and in many cases that meant a first fish. Fish that were caught included spotfin and yellowfin croaker, barred surfperch, walleye surfperch, Pacific mackerel, sand bass, Pacific sardine, jacksmelt, shovelnose guitarfish, thornback ray, round stingray, and a bat ray. Most kids caught “something” and all had a great time.

The kids were ready to catch some fish!

A nice spotfin croaker The California Fish and Game Department distributed literature and helped the youngsters fill out their “Passport” booklets

A spotfin croaker

Pelicans always attract a crowd

UPSAC’s Brian Linebarger helps out a youngster

Oceanside Pier Bait Shop

At the end of the fishing each youngster and parent was given a hot dog lunch and Immediately after that each participant was given a “Goody Bag” full of prizes.

Next up was the raffle gifts with each youngster winning a gift. Gifts were donated from a large group: Oceanside Pier Bait and Tackle; Pacific Bait and Tackle, Oceanside; Anglers Bait and Tackle, Oceanside; Pats Bait and Tackle, Vista; Nautical Bean Coffee, Oceanside Harbor; and J and M Bait Co. in San Marcos; Western Outdoor News.

The final event was the rewarding of the gifts to the age group winners and each age group, 6-15 had a winner. The individual age group winners were: 6-year-old, Brandon Ngo; 7-year-old, Isiah Sanchez; 8-year-old, Anthony Fowler; 9-year-old, Ben Marek; 10-year-old, Noah Silk; 11-year-old, Andreio Flores; 12-year-old, Nico Place; 13-year-old (tie), Franco Deporzi & Alfonso Paz; 14-year-old, Carlos Arango and 15-year-old, Froilan Tan.

UPSAC’s Ken Jones, NOAA’s Marty Golden, and the 6-Year-Old Winner — Brandon Ngo

7-Year-Old Winner Isiah Sanchez

8-Year-Old Winner Anthony Fowler

9-Year-Old Winner Ben Marek

10-Year-Old Winner Noah Silk

11-Year-Pld Winner Andreio Flores

12-Year-Old Winner Nico Place

13-Year-Old (tie), Franco Deporzi & Alfonso Paz

14-Year-Old Winner Carlos Arango

15-Year-Old Winner, Froilan Tan

The “Top Angler” Award was won by Brandon Ngo

A large event like this takes considerable time and effort but luckily the good folks at the Oceanside Pier Bait and Tackle (Pam and Ed Gonsalves) were up to the challenge and they derserve a BIG THANKS!

Volunteers: From UPSAC—President, Ken Jones, Vice-President, Robert Gardner, Secretary, Brian Linebarger, and member, Richard (Big Rich) McIntosh; From IGFA—Gary Graham; From the California Department of Fish and Game—Carrie Wilson and a group of other volunteers; NOAA—Marty Golden; Oceanside Pier Bait and Tackle—Owners Ed and Pam Gonsalves along with Johnny Arrage, Rebecca Dutkiewiez, Ronnie Newland, Joy Koepke, Stephen Sandberg, Sarah Cousins, Richard Vodlak, Joe Darden, Wayne Kotow, Chris Monsale, Bradley Hicks, Johathan Kotow, and Mark Neenan; Senior Anglers of Oceanside—Bill and Manuel.

UPSAC President Ken Jones, NOAA Pacific Recreational Fisheries Coordinator Marty Golden, and UPSAC Board Member Eugene Kim with his daughter Mia

Carrie Wilson (CA DF&G), Marty Golden (NOAA) and volunteers

And we bid adieu to a beautiful pier, the Oceanside Pier!

Posted in Daily musings... · Tagged California piers, oceanside pier, Pier Fishing in California, pierfishing, saltwater fish, saltwater fishing, spotfin croaker, United Pier and Shore Anglers of California, UPSAC · Leave a comment

Marin Rod & Gun Club Pier — 2012 Kids Fishing Derby

August 15, 2015 by kenjones

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

Posted in Daily musings... · Tagged California piers, leopard shark, Marin Rod & Gun Club, Marin Rod & Gun Club Pier, Pier Fishing in California, pierfishing, saltwater fish, saltwater fishing, United Pier and Shore Anglers of California, UPSAC · Leave a comment

Avila Pier — 2012 Kids Fishing Derby

August 14, 2015 by kenjones

Unlike 2011, and a day that saw rain and a damp wind limit the early turnout, Saturday July 7, 2012 at the Avila Pier saw a mild climate, no wind, and almost perfect weather for fishing. The result was a spirited group of kids that were excited to join the 2012 IGFA/UPSAC Kids Fishing Derby. Spirited, but one of the nicest and most polite groups of kids we’ve had at a derby.

Cheryl Spence handled much of the registration

“Big Rich” and Brian Linebarger helping the youngsters get started

The first fish to be caught was a jacksmelt

Carrie Wilson from the California Department of Fish and Game and her husband Jeff set up and staffed an informational display during the derby and helped the young anglers learn about the California Fishing Passport Program. As they caught fish, Carrie would stamp the species in the booklets.

This young lady caught a thornback ray

Don’t be afraid, they can’t hurt you. Just watch out for the spines on the back.

The thornback ray earned an entry into the “Passport” booklet

UPSAC’s Brian Linebarger helps with a small fish

Fish included a small speckled sanddab

A white croaker

UPSAC volunteers included Boyd Grant the manager of UPSAC’s Goleta Pier Angler Center

You don’t need a boat to go fishing!

Free loaner rods and reels, free bait, free hot dog lunches, raffle prizes for every kid, and an age group winner in each category helped the excitement but so did the chance to catch a fish and, in many cases, that meant their first fish. Although the fishing was slow almost every kid caught “something” and all had a great time. Fish that were caught included cabezon, jacksmelt, kingfish (white croaker), small rockfish, sanddabs, staghorn sculpin and a lone squid.

A happy youngster with a white croaker

Checking out the CA DF&G

There’s lots of stuff

UPSAC’s Robert Gardner and Boyd Grant

Moms also like to go fishing!

What is this?

A sanddab

Carrie Wilson marks the sanddab in the book

There’s nothing like a nice day on the pier with the kids!

Buddy, I think it’s stuck!

Another sanddab

Next up, following the fishing and a hot dog lunch, was a raffle. Raffle prizes were donated by NOAA, the California Department of Fish and Game, Fish Taco Chronicle Magazine, The Tidepool (Cayucos), Oceanside Pier Bait & Tackle, Avila Pier Bait and Tackle, and the San Diego Sportfishing Council. The grand prize, two half-day fishing trips, was donated by Patriot Sportfishing of Port San Luis. Special thanks go to Mara Ziehn and the Port San Luis Harbor District for use of the Avila Pier.

Louis and Denise Dornbush, owners of the Avila Pier Bait & Tackle Shop

Carrie Wilson from the Fish and Game was asked to hand out the various raffle prizes

The big prize was two fishing trips from the Patriot Sportfishing fleet of boats

The final event was the awarding of the age group winners. Age group winners: 6-year-old Kobe Keovilai; 7-year-old Gavin Kidd; 8-year-old (tie) Caleb Reed & Laura Alvarez; 9-year-old Rebecca Cagle; 10-year-old Matthew Keovilai; 11-year-old Darian Cagle; 12-year-old Justin Selken; 13-year-old Brandon Suarez; 14-year-old (tie) Michael Cagle & Amanda Avilia;15-year-old Dalton Walker. All winners received trophies, beautiful certificates from the International Game Fish Association (IGFA), and autographed copies of Pier Fishing in California by Ken Jones.

Cheryl Spence tabulating results.

UPSAC President Ken Jones and the Derby Coordinator (and UPSAC Board Member) Mike Spence ready the crowd for the age group winner prizes.

The 6-Year-Old Winner was Kobe Keovilai

The 7-Year-Old Winner was Gavin Kidd

The 8-Year-Old age bracket had a tie. One Winner was Caleb Reed

The other 8-Year-Old Winner was Laura Alvarez

The 9-Year-Old Winner was Rebecca Cagle

The 11-Year-Old winner was Darian Cagle

The 12-Year-Old Winner Justin Selken

The14-Year-Old Winner was Amanda Avilia

The 15-Year-Old Winner was Dalton Walker

A tired group: Cheryl Spence in the back, Brian Linebarger and Robert Gardner in the front, and Boyd Grant standing.

The event Coordinator was Michael Spence from UPSAC, ably assisted by his lovely wife Cheryl. They were joined by Ken Jones, President of UPSAC, Robert Gardner, Vice President of UPSAC, Brian Linebarger, Secretary of UPSAC, Cheryl Spence, Boyd Grant, Richard McIntosh, John Burke, Kevin Branx, and Louis and Denise Dornbush, owners of the Avila Bait and Tackle store.

Posted in Daily musings... · Tagged Avila Pier, California piers, Pier Fishing in California, pierfishing, saltwater fish, saltwater fishing, United Pier and Shore Anglers of California, UPSAC · Leave a comment

Berkeley Pier — 2012 Kids Fishing Derby

August 14, 2015 by kenjones

June 23, 2012 was the date and it was the first IGFA-UPSAC Kid’s Fishing Derby of the season. The day would see beautiful weather, a nice turnout of kids, and quite a few fish even if they were the of the super small category. In fact, one of the helpers suggested the event be called the “Bullhead Classic” in honor of the numerous bullheads (staghorn sculpin) caught by the participants.

But judging by the smiles, and the good-natured vibes of the participants, the size of the fish was of little concern. More important was the chance to have some fun and partake of the free loaner tackle, free bait, free lunches, numerous raffle prizes, and trophies and certificates for every age group winner.

The venue for the derby was the Berkeley Pier, the iconic 3,000 foot-long pier that was the first of more than 100 public piers in California. The bay was full of boats, the San Francisco skyline and Marin hills shined in the distance, and the fish, even if small (jacksmelt, perch, and bullheads), seemed to provide fun for the crowd of roughly 75 people.

Registration was handled by Lillie Dana

Robert Gardner and Brian Linebarger rig up the rods and reels

Loaner rods and reels

The derby was organized by United Pier and Shore Anglers of California (UPSAC)

Joining the UPSAC group that put on the derby was Carrie Wilson (L) and Mary Patyten (R) from the California Fish and Game Department. They handed out a variety of posters and books including the Fishing Passport Booklets. They then stamped the booklets as the kids caught a variety of species.

It’s “fishin” time

It’s good to have a helping hand

She caught a jacksmelt!

The jacksmelt earns a mark from Carrie Wilson on the Department of Fish & Game’s “Fish Passport Booklet”

Carrie Wilson

Thomas Orozco and an itsy bitsy, teeny weeny, yellow polka dot… (oops, got a little off track). It’s a small shinerperch showing the silver colors displayed by males during the spawning season

The main fish for the day were small staghorn sculpin aka bullheads

There were a LOT of sailboats on the bay

It was a beautiful day

Used fishing line goes into the recycle tube

The Marin hills off in the distance

Carrie Wilson from the California Department of Fish and Game and a happy young angler

A proud papa

It’s another shiner

Mary Patyten from the California Department of Fish and Game and another happy young angler. Smile!

Bullhead

A final bullhead

Following the fishing it was time for the hot dog lunch and then the raffle, something the kids always enjoy.

UPSAC President Ken Jones and Board Member Brian Linebarger announcing the raffle winners

As for the participants, every age group excepting one had a winner. The winners: (6-year-old)—Tie, Angel Baca and Fiona Klyashchitsky; (7-year-old)—Kimberly Biermann; (8-year-old)—Luke Zhao; (9-year-old)—Joshua Klyashchitsky; (10-year-old) Larry Zhao; (11-year-old)—Tie, Hans Jones Jr. and Jordan Mook; (12-year-old) Thomas Orozco; (14-year-old)—Tie, Brendan Linebarger and Katie Springer; (15-year-old)—Cassi Ortiz.

6-Year-Old Winner (Tie) Angel Baca

6-Year-Old Winner (Tie) Fiona Klyashchitsky

7-Year-Old Winner Kimberly Biermann

8-Year-Old Winner Luke Zhao

9-Year-Old Winner Joshua Klyashchitsky

10-Year-Old Winner Larry Zhao

11-Year-Old Winners (tie) Hans Jones and Jordan Mook

12-Year-Old Winner Thomas Orozco

14-Year-Old Winners (tie) Brendan Linebarger and Katie Springer

15-Year-Old Winner Cassi Ortiz

Primary UPSAC volunteers were Ken Jones, Brian Linebarger, Robert Gardner, and Hans Jones. Assisting with registration was Lillie Dana.

Goodby until another day!

Posted in Daily musings... · Tagged Berkeley Pier, California piers, Pier Fishing in California, pierfishing, saltwater fish, saltwater fishing, United Pier and Shore Anglers of California, UPSAC · Leave a comment

Avila Pier — 2011 Kids Fishing Derby

August 13, 2015 by kenjones

Although the morning’s thunder, lightening, and rain undoubtedly scared away some participants, thirty six youngsters still showed up for the First Annual Avila Pier Kid’s Fishing Derby on September 10, 2011.

Registration was handled by Tamra Spence and Cheryl Spence

I’m going to catch one this big! Dora and Elaine Liu

Warren Liu

Move your right hand up a little farther…

A “fishin’ family” and Hashem Nahid from UPSAC

UPSAC’s James Liu, Mike Spence (Santa), Dora Liu and Elaine Liu

You’ve got to check your bait

A happy young angler

It’s always good to take the daughter fishing

Sponsored by United Pier and Shore Anglers of California (UPSAC), the International Game Fish Association (IGFA), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the kids got a chance to fish with loaner rods/reels, received a free lunch, won raffle prizes, and received “goody bags” filled with a variety of gifts.

How about some ice cream with your fishing?

And though the fishing was slow—mackerel, sardines, sanddabs, sculpin, and perch—as well as a squid and several crabs, all the kids appeared to have a great time.

A small speckled sanddab

A small staghorn sculpin aka bullhead

How many did you catch? Four? Great!

One of the favorite times for the kids is the raffle and we had a plethora of different gifts, some small and some big.

UPSAC’s Central Coast Coordinator Mike Spence, Tamra Spence, a hidden Ken Jones, and Cheryl Spence

In the background, Denise and Louis Dornbush, owners of the Avila Pier Bait and Tackle shop

Amanda Liu

Age-group winners received new rods and reels, an autographed copy of Pier Fishing in California, a beautiful certificate from the IGFA, and copies of the California Finfish and Shellfish Identification Book. The winners were—6 Years and younger: Kylie Mazzanti; 7-year-old: Steve Lourenco; 8-year-old: Alvaro Bravo; 9-year-old: Mason Cazaet; 10-year-old: Nico Fanacchi; 11-year-old: Warren Liu; 12-year-old: Jason Burtneti; and 13-year-old Tanayra Bravo.

UPSAC Coordinator Mike Spence and 7-Year-Old Winner Steve Lourence

UPSAC Coordinator Mike Spence and 8-Year-Old Winner Alvaro Bravo

UPSAC Coordinator Mike Spence and 9-Year-Old Winner Mason Cazact

UPSAC Coordinator Mike Spence and 10-Year-Old Winner Nico Fanacchi

UPSAC Coordinator Mike Spence and 11-Year-Old-Winner Warren Liu

UPSAC Coordinator Mike Spence and 12-Year-Old Winner Jason Burtneti

Following the announcement of the age group winners was the handing out of the “Goody Bags” that contained even more gifts.

The volunteer workers were led by Derby Coordinator (and UPSAC Board Membe) Mike Spence. He was was assisted by fellow board member Hashem Nahid, UPSAC Treasurer James Liu, and UPSAC President Ken Jones. They were joined by Pier Fishing in California (pierfishing.com) member RobF, Louis and Denise Dornbush (owners of the Avila Pier Bait & Tackle Shop), Cheryl Spence, Tamra Spence, and John Burke.