Ken Jones, President of United Pier and Shore Anglers of California (UPSAC) and International Game Fish Association (IGFA) Trustee Michael Farrior have announced plans to expand on the successful “IGFA Young Anglers Tournaments” that have been held in San Diego over the past seven years. Sponsored primarily by the IGFA and the San Diego Sportfishing Council, coordinated by IGFA Representatives Catherine Miller and John Campbell, and assisted by anglers from UPSAC and other groups, the Kid’s Fishing Derby at Shelter Island—and those at several other San Diego Bay piers (and one lake)—have been an unqualified success.
This year’s event at the Shelter Island Pier saw 158 young anglers catch a variety of fish including halibut, calico bass, spotted bass and Spanish mackerel. The IGFA along with help from other individuals, businesses and angling clubs has helped provided food, bait and tackle, and prizes for every contestant. Winners were awarded in each of ten age categories based on a point system for the number of fish and species caught. Catch and release was encouraged. Each top angler received an embossed IGFA certificate, an IGFA Junior Angler Membership in IGFA, a rod and reel combo by OKUMA Fishing Tackle and an assortment of other prizes
The goal of UPSAC and IGFA is to expand the tournaments to other piers along the coast, especially piers and areas that do not currently have such tournaments. The tournaments are open to girls and boys between the ages of 4 and 15 with the age groups corresponding to the ages of the IGFA Small Fry and Junior memberships. According to the IGFA, “ the young anglers gain experience in handling tackle, identifying inshore species, game restrictions, good sportsmanship and camaraderie among anglers.”
UPSAC is currently doing a survey of every pier along the coast and determining where new tournaments may prove feasible. It will also determine if any of the currently held tournaments could use additional resources or help that may be available from IGFA and UPSAC. Initially most tournaments will probably be held in southern and central California. However, as the tournaments continue to grow it is hoped that eventually there may be a coordinated network of such tournaments along the entire California coast.
The International Game Fish Association is the world’s largest fishing organization and maintains the world records for both saltwater and freshwater species. United Pier and Shore Anglers of California is the largest fishing organization in California devoted specifically to pier and shore anglers. It is hoped that the ability to team up between the two organizations will provide additional opportunities for youth along the coast as well as allowing UPSAC and IGFA to reach greater audiences on the piers, the traditional starting point for many California anglers.
“Partnerships are an important tool for the recreational angling community” Farrior commented, going on to say California’s young anglers are tomorrows angling future. IGFA President Rob Kramer recently spoke to the matter: “We all need to realize that we have a responsibility to ensure that recreational fishing has a future. UPSAC’s Jones commented “we have long felt that piers are the easiest and least expensive location to take the entire family fishing and serve as the nursery grounds for California saltwater anglers. This partnership should assist both organizations as well as youth along the California coast.
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