Home Oakley Oakley: 9th Annual Kids Fishing Derby Recap

Oakley: 9th Annual Kids Fishing Derby Recap

by ECT

I was able to attend the 9th Annual Kids Fishing Derby this past Saturday with Councilman Jim Frazier as the event kicked off at 9am. The event was a partnership between the City of Oakley and Hook, Line  & Sinker.  Estimates are the event had between 100-125 kids for the catch and release event.

Photo above is Gabriella Zimmerman, photo by Racin Coelho

Winners include:

  • Age 1– 5 Smallest Fish – Violet James, Biggest Fish – Conner Lewis, Most fish caught – Gabriella Zimmerman
  • Age 6 – 10 Smallest Fish – Faith Visser, Biggest Fish – Brandon Sullivan, Most fish caught – Fanta Jimissa
  • Age 11 – 15 Smallest Fish – Jacob Lowe, Biggest Fish – Mitchell Wilson, Most fish caught – Austin Head

According to Gene Bucholtz, owner of Hook, Line & Sinker, he started the event because a  teen said there was nothing to do in Oakley. The teen suggested a fishing derby on a on the Oakley/Antioch Pier and the tradition continues.

“It was started to get kids interested in fishing and get them interested in the outdoor world,” said Bucholtz. “We even have grandmas who bring their grand kids out to learn how to fish.”

Bucholtz explained that during their first year, they had 28-kids. Then it turned into 75-80 the next year. Each year after, there have been around 200 kids since.

“It’s something where we have volunteers from the California Striped Bass Association and help from the new Delta Teens Club (bass fishing for teens).  After the derby is over, we have hot dogs for everyone and I give a presentation on what is hot in the bass fishing world,” stated Bucholtz.

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You can learn more about Hook, Line & Sinker by visiting their website. You can also visit the shop at: 3100 Main Street, #260 Oakley, CA 9456

Note: Information on winners provided by City of Oakley

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1 comment

Frank S Aug 15, 2012 - 6:54 pm

They need to do a derby for adults!

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