Kathi Wright-Kern Valley Sun

The Fish and Game Habitat Club held their 20th annual Kid's Fishing Derby at Wofford Heights Park Saturday, June 9, delighting over 100 children who ‘angled‘ for the chance to reel in the biggest prize fish! It was a picture-perfect morning to cast a line into the water, bedecked as the day was with a cloudless canopy of blue sky and only a whisper of wind.

Early registration for the Derby opened on Friday, June 8, with the official contest fishing beginning at 6 a.m. on Saturday morning and continuing until 1 p.m. that afternoon. Young contestants could stay and fish in the park or opt to enjoy this fish-for-free day at their favorite lakeshore site, from a boat, or on the river. The choice was theirs, but they were required to be back at the park to weigh-in their bounty by 1 p.m. at the latest.

Anthony Johnson, 5, from Palmdale proudly holds two fish he caught at the Kids Fishing Derby Saturday afternoon.

Habitat Club volunteers set up a casting competition at the park and awarded great prizes to the lucky child who could make a challenging cast into the gaping mouth of a giant wooden fish. Christy McGuire from the Department of Fish and Game taught the children how to make gyutoko-fish prints on brightly colored paper. Smokey Bear temporary tattoos sprouted like wildfire on small hands and cheeks! (Smokey himself even made an appearance later on in the day.) Wendy Rannals of the USFS captured much of the day's smiles on film. Habitat Club volunteers rounded out the festivities and served the masses grilled hot dogs, chips, and sodas generously donated to the Derby by many local businesses in the Valley (as well as corporate sponsors.)

Three age groups competed in the Derby: four through seven, eight through eleven, and twelve through fifteen. Each first place winner received a trophy, a fine fishing rod and reel, and a tackle box. Catfish won all the anglers their first place slots. Winning first place were Emily Barnes (4-7), Dana Moreno (8-11), and Garrett Heath (12-15).

This year, the Club awarded the Ron Kleiveneit award to a young local student who embodies the spirit of good sportsmanship. Last year this young man won the Derby in his age class, winning the same prize of rod and reel and tackle box, then immediately donated his prizes to two other Derby participants who did not have their own equipment. This exemplary young man is Alex Cordell. Kleiveneit was one of the Club's ‘founding fathers.'

J.D. Long, current president of the Habitat Club, stated he “Cannot thank enough people,” for their help and support of this event. The Derby is possible as an annual event because of co-sponsorships by the USFS, DFG, Von's, and Wal-Mart; and the generosity and efforts of many local businesses and volunteers. Some of the local businesses contributing include KCNQ, Mt. Mesa Market and Jim Wyly, Mark Preston of Sierra Gateway markets, Charlie's Market, the Exchange Club, Golden State Surplus, Friends of the Hatchery, Kern River Valley Woman's Club, Arlie's, and Camp 9.

The Fish and Game Habitat Club would welcome you as a member and as a volunteer. They host other events during the year such as the Junior Pheasant Hunt and the Christmas Tree ‘round-up.' If you are interested in becoming a part of this dedicated group, please contact Mr. J.D. Long at 379-7816.