Fishing Derby proves kids love lake fishing

BY Aprile McKinnon

The Canyon Lake Kids Fishing Derby had one of its largest turnouts ever as 261 Canyon Lake kids turned out for the annual event Saturday. The Canyon Lake Bassmasters has held the event every year for the past 37 years and the kids continue to flock to Holiday Harbor with poles and bait in tow to throw their hooks into Canyon Lake in hopes of pulling in the catch of the day.

In the unique and fun event, those participating are not charged to enter. Instead, they are given what they need to fish, they are fed lunch and every kid who signs up walks away with a prize.

Bassmaster President Chuck Moreno said all that is given to the kids is donated for the event.

“We couldn’t do this without all the donations and sponsorships of the local companies,” Chuck said. “We receive many generous donations and I would like to personally thank all who contributed.”

Aidan Moreno, First Place in the 12-year-old division, gets a little help holding up his catch from Saturday’s Canyon Lake Kids Fishing Derby. Photo by Debbie Moreno

The event is put on by many volunteers who prepare and cook the free food and drinks as well as distribute all the free prizes. The day is one that many have been a part of for years.

“My nephew Austin used to fish the derbies as a kid and this year he is volunteering as an M.C. of the event,” Chuck said. “My wife, daughter, brother and his son also volunteer. You see lots of families volunteering for the event.”

Ten-year-old Chase VanHoff and his father Donny VanHoff have been a part of the fishing derby for five years. Chase has yet to catch anything during the fishing derby even though he had a 12-pound catch at Happy Camp while fishing with his dad recently.

Chase and his father enjoy fishing together and love being a part of the fishing derby.

“It’s great for them to offer this to get young people interested in fishing, and to enjoy what we have to offer here in Canyon Lake,” Donny said. “Chase didn’t catch anything again, but there’s always next year. He’ll catch the big fish.”

Chase VanHoff, age 10, waits patiently for a nibble during the Canyon Lake Kids Fishing Derby Saturday. The annual event provided free lunch, drinks and prizes for each of the participants. Photo by Aprile DeAnne McKinnon

Those taking home trophies for their various catches were:

5-7 Age Category: 1st Place Locklin Wright, 3 catfish, 1 bluegill, 17.3 lbs., 2nd place Hudson Lingrem, 3 catfish, 16.94 lbs., 3rd place Jewel Crew, 3 catfish 9.63 lbs.

8-11 Age Category: 1st Place Parker White, 3 catfish, 13.95 lbs., 2nd Place Mya Rosenzweig 3 bluegill, 3 catfish 13.27 lbs., 3rd Place Owen Ridgeway 3 catfish, 12.26 lbs.

12-15 Age Category: 1st Place Aiden Moreno, 3 catfish 20.00 lbs., 2nd Place Carter Miller, 3 catfish 14.56 lbs., 3rd Place Mike Pulley, 3 catfish 13.73 lbs.

Largest Fish Categories: Largest Catfish, R.J. Jaffe, 9.79 lbs., Largest Bluegill, Raymond Garcia, 1.33 lbs., Largest Crappie, Weston Barker, 1.45 lbs., Largest Carp, Grayson Williams, 11.74 lbs.

Madison Williams assists one of the youngest participants pick out a gift after the Kids Fishing Derby concluded Saturday. Every participant received a gift. Photo by Debbie Moreno

Sponsors for the derby were Canyon Lake Hair Productions, AC Communications, Excel Sportfishing, Five Star Fish Processing, Rose Valek Homes for Heroes Affiliate, Coldwell Banker ABR Canyon Lake, Holter Pools, CLAMS, Rich Blay, Bill Van Vleet, Pack Wrap and Post, TCM Renovations, Outkast Printing, Tim Cook, PH Pools, Indigo Auto Group, Hoffman’s Painting, DSP Electrical Contractors, Little G Sportfishing, Menifee Drywall Construction, Lisardo Realty Group, Integrity Cabling Systems, AFTCO, Okuma Fishing, USA Siepker Electric, Dave Lester, Nolan Cromwell and Ninefiveone Boards.