Past Events: Kid's Summer Challenge

California Pier Fishing!
June 10, 2006

On June 10, the beautiful Santa Monica Pier was the site of the kickoff California Fishing Passport event, dubbed the "Kid's Summer Challenge." Between 150 and 200 young anglers came out to try their hands at ocean pier fishing from this historic pier. All participants received their first Kid's Summer Challenge passports and other assorted goodies donated by different supporters and sponsors.

An assortment of saltwater fish, including walleye perch, California scorpionfish, queenfish, yellowfin croakers and shovelnose guitarfish were caught during the event, and anglers earned their first passport stamps in the process. Some youngsters even caught their very first fish at this event, and were given certificates to recognize their accomplishment!

Volunteers from both the DFG's Fishing in the City program and United Anglers of Southern California (UASC) were on hand to provide free rod and reel loaners to all who needed them. "Gulp!" baits (donated by Berkley) and other fresh baits were also provided free of charge to all participants. The DFG's Senior Volunteers helped with handing out the rods and reels and getting the young anglers started, while representatives from the United Pier and Shore Anglers of California taught new anglers some techniques for catching their first fish.

Staff from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) were also there with lots of information about ethical fishing, and provided fishing assistance for newcomers. Program sponsor Alpen Optics provided great prizes to registered Summer Challenge anglers!

Next event - Mark your calendars for July 29, when you can join us for some High Sierra trout fishing in Mammoth Lakes. The Kid's Summer Challenge program has joined forces with the annual Children's Fishing Festival at Snow Creek Ponds, where specially planted rainbow trout will provide a real fishing treat! There will be lots of goodies and prizes for all involved. This event is being made possible through partnerships with the Mammoth Lakes Visitors Bureau and the Mammoth Lakes Sport Fishing Association.

The three Kid's Summer Challenge events being held this summer are all "sneak peak" preview events of the full California Fishing Passport program set to officially launch on January 1, 2007.