Anglin’ for a prize

More than 120 youth fished for more than 800 pounds of catfish at Ford Park June 3.

Over 120 children competed to land the biggest catfish at the annual Catfish Derby at Ford Park on June 3.

Sponsored by the Redlands Optimist Club, the city of Redlands and Bass Pro Shops, the derby was open to children ages 4 to 15, who learned about casting, fishing ethics, safety and more, before trying their luck in the ponds.

Participation was free for all children, who only had to bring an adult, personal cooler and a chair to get in on the fun.

City of Redlands recreation coordinator David Jaffe said he was thrilled with the turnout, noting they had run out of Bass Pro Shops hats and were low on T-shirts.

As usual, the event's online registration filled up quickly, but all the waitlisted kids who showed up to the event got to fish, thanks to a few no-shows.

"It's a great event for first time fishers, with lots of support, poles and bait provided, and stocked ponds," said Jaffe.

Despite the California Department of Fish and Wildlife stocking the two ponds with a 800 pounds of catfish, the biting got off to a slow start.

Luckily, while the contestants waited for a bite, they had plenty to keep them entertained, like mallard ducks with ducklings in tow, turtles and untangling their lines.

New to the derby was a casting contest sponsored by the Surf City Optimist Club from Huntington Beach.

Youth who weren't having any luck in the ponds could show off their casting skills in the grassy area below the ponds, where they angled for brightly colored plastic fish.

Children scored points with each "catch" and trophies were awarded to the highest scorers.

It was the first time fishing for Madelyn Hale, age 4, who worked diligently on her casting technique at the lower pond. Her father, Andrew Hale, said she had been wanting to come fishing for a while. As Madelyn reeled in her line, Andrew asked, "What’d you catch?"

"Weeds again," she replied.

Andrew observed with a grin, "Fishing teaches kids patience."

Father and son duo, Ralph Carrion II and Ralph Carrion III, are experienced anglers who have fished for trout and catfish in Silverwood Lake, Big Bear Lake and at Fisherman's Retreat.

Nevertheless, the derby presented an opportunity to try out young Ralph's skills close to home.

"I started fishing right here in Ford Park when I was a kid, and I wanted him to have the same experience," Ralph the dad said.

Volunteer Matthew Woodhall manned the weigh station on a newly poured concrete pad between both ponds. As biting picked up, children brought their catches to the weigh station where Woodhall, an avid fisherman himself, weighed the fish and kept track of who caught what.

He often asked the fishers what sort of bait they had used for their catch; bits of mackerel seemed to be a popular and successful choice at the derby.

Mayor Pro Tem Paul Barich attended the event, admiring the job Assistant City Manager Chris Boatman and his team did on the new weigh station area.

"This is a wonderful addition to the ponds and will support multiple events, not just the fish derbies," Barich said.

Redlands Optimist Club member Jim Ducey said he hoped the derby would "inspire a lifelong love of fishing" in the children who participated.

A total of 16 catfish were caught during the derby.

Matthew Hochenedel caught the largest fish, weighing in at 3.21 pounds.

First-, second- and third-place prizes were awarded in three age categories. Prizes included telescoping fishing poles with reels, tackle boxes and gift certificates to Bass Pro Shops. All contestants received a hat from Bass Pro Shops and T-shirts provided by the Optimist Club.

Winners were, for age 8 and younger, Rory Sanchez, first; Olivia Cerda, second; and Maverick Strout, third.

For ages 9 through 12, winners were Matthew Hochenedel, first; and Adeline Milloy, second.

In the 13 through 15 age category, winners were Jude Juarez, first; Alias Ayon, second; and Corbin Campanelli, third.

City and Optimist Club officials confirmed they are planning a trout derby in January 2024, with the date to be determined.

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