Brandon Muncy
Kern Valley Sun

Cold, windy, and wet weather didn't keep 8-year-old Tahoe Taylor and his parents from participating in the 22nd Annual Kids Fishing Derby. “I like fishing, it's fun,” said Taylor, who brought in the first batch of fish to be weighed. Taylor brought in a trout weighing 1.73 pounds which was enough for 4th place in the age 8-15 category even while, according to his father, wasting a few night crawlers.

Awards were given to children ages 4-15. In the 4-7 age group 6-year-old Chase Carwell took the top honors with a .11 pound bluegill. 1st Place in the 8-15 age group was 11-year-old Alexis Lowe with a 3.23 pound catfish, 2nd place was Jade Whitman with a 3.21 pound trout. 3rd place was awarded to Shawn Rice with his 2.83 pound carp, 4th place was handed to Taho Taylor, who incidently placed first last year, with a 1.73 pound trout, 5th place was John Devicariis and his 1 pound trout, rounded out by 6th place winner J P Peters with his .41 pound trout.

Shawn Rice, 15, of Southlake displays his 2.82lb carp he caught on meal worms which netted him 3rd place in the 8-15 age group.

“The one thing that hurt us was the rain,” said Larry Templin, who is in his second year as Event Chairman for the Kids Fishing Derby. The event did receive good attendance, and was considered a success. The Kids Fishing Derby is free and open to all children. All fish but bass were eligible for the derby, as bass tournaments have different regulations than other types of tournaments. Upon arrival, children received a tackle box, complete with fishing gear, along with information.

Derby Headquarters, which was located at Wofford Heights Park, also featured many other activities for youth to participate in. The casting contest, games, and the free lunch of hot dogs, chips and drinks kept the young anglers busy even when not crowding the Isabella Lake shoreline.

The event is not strictly a fishing competition. The theme of this year's derby was “Get Hooked on Fishing, Not Drugs.” Derby organizers’ also hope that the event teaches good sportsmanship and an appreciation for the area they live in. “Children in the valley are very lucky,” said Templin, “Lake Isabella always gives them something to do.”

The Kids Fishing Derby would not be possible if it were not for the numerous hours of Fish and Game Habitat Club volunteers. “I love the people that volunteer and contribute,” said Larry Templin. No one receives money for helping, and leftover funds are used for the derby the following year.

The event would not be possible if it were not for the many volunteers of the Fish and Game Habitat Club, sponsors, and parents. The club is always looking for new members. No experience is needed to join the club, other than a desire to experience more of the Kern River Valley. Meetings are held the third Wednesday of the Month at 7:00 p.m., at the El Segundo Rod and Gun Club on East Evans Road in Wofford Heights. The next meeting is on June 17 at 6pm.

The Fish and Game Habitat Club would like to thank the following businesses who helped make the derby a success: Big Ed's Bait and Tackle, Vons, Isabella Market, Sierra Gateway Markets, Barnes Bargains, Johnstones, The Sportsman, The Hideaway, the Elks Lodge, and Western Outdoor News.