Amanda Davidson-Special to the Sun

Local youngsters and city kids alike dotted the shoreline of Isabella Lake March 31-April 2 for the 18th annual Lake Isabella Fishing Derby. From serious fisher-kids to those more interested in exploring the rocky terrain, smiling youngsters were a substantial part of the scene.

Talking with and observing several of the young anglers and adventurers, while getting their impressions of this fun-filled event, is always enlightenening. They can remind the adult crowd of what the adventures of being a kid felt like. “It's always great to see the kids catch one,” said Fishing Derby Committee Chairman Tom McKinney. Jared Onstott, 10, of Lake Isabella is obviously cut from the cloth of true fishermen. Armed with his trusty Ugly Stik and green Power Bait (the best bait to use right now, in his opinion,) the fourth-grader landed 10 trout during the weekend. Jared has his dad to thank for teaching him to fish, though watching him cast out his line, one suspects a little natural ability was involved, as well.

Onstott said, “Getting tagged fish” was the best part of the Derby, though the only tagger he saw this year was the elusive number 11, the one that broke the line and got away. A fish story, perhaps?

Alana and Michael Jones, 5 and 6 respectively, had an exciting weekend away from their home in Bakersfield. Theirs was a large camp, with many family members gathered in hopes of catching the big one. Michael, an outgoing first-grader, was eager to show off his skills. ”Nobody taught me to fish ‘cause it's easy. All you have to do is this,” he exclaimed, executing an enviable cast with his Spider Man rod and reel. He recommended worms for bait, though at that point they hadn't brought him any luck. Michael confided that he preferred releasing the fish to catching them because, “Sometimes the fish will jump and splash you.”Alana didn't bring her fishing pole, but found numerous forms of entertainment regardless. “We swim and play in the sand and get ourselves all dirty and all wet. Most of all I like to draw on the sand,” and she galloped away to practice her art undisturbed.

Brothers Devon and Brandon Vittoria of Lake Isabella are Fishing Derby regulars. They were taught to fish by their father. Devon, 6, exercised some independence in setting up his gear. “I don't need help, see?” he proudly proclaimed as he demonstrated his ability to tie a good fishing knot. “Wormies” were this first-grader's bait of choice. Devon didn't have any luck this year, but says he caught three fish on a previous trip with his dad and uncle. Had he hooked Mr. or Mrs. Ten Grand, Devon planned to “buy a new car for Dad.” Brandon, 11, once caught two fish at the same time using a double-hooked line. During the Derby, he used purple Power Bait, but to no avail. As selfless as his little brother, Brandon hoped for a $10,000 catch so that he could “try to get a new house for my family.”

When away from their poles, the boys also had fun playing catch, exploring Mars, and playing army with friend Jade Whitman, 7, of Southlake, who declined to an interview.

Best friends Alice Mc Gee and Emily Delgado, both 11, of Bakersfield had a great and giggly time. It was the first time either one of them had been fishing or camping, and they sported the smiles that showed the experience agreed with them.

Alice's dad showed her the ropes, though she hadn't managed to hook one. Emily wasn't fishing, but was content “just to hang out with Alice.”

Both girls were in agreement that shopping for clothes would be the best way to spend the prize money.

The Fishing Derby is an ideal time to tear the kids away from the television and video games and introduce them to some of the joys of outdoor life. Sitting for hours in patient expectation of a bite may be beyond many little ones, but fresh air, sunshine and imagination always equate to a happy experience for the youngsters.