IGFA California Junior Angler Series Begins
OutdoorHub 06.20.12
With summer just around the corner, Ken Jones, President of United Pier and Shore Anglers of California (UPSAC) and International Game Fish Association (IGFA) Historian and TrusteeMichael Farrior, announce locations and dates for their IGFA/UPSAC Young Anglers Tournament series.
IGFA is making a concentrated effort again this year to introduce “the many opportunities that sportfishing offers to California’s young anglers,” according to Trustee Farrior. “We welcome kids of all ages; our members and volunteers are making every effort to provide ‘tons of fun’ for the young anglers during each of our free events this season,” he said.
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. 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.
Winners were awarded in each of 10 age categories based on a point system for the number of fish and species caught. Catch-and-release will be encouraged. Each top angler receives an embossed IGFA certificate, an IGFA Junior Angler Membership in IGFA and an assortment of other prizes.
“The tournament is open to girls and boys between ages 4 and 15,” said Farrior. “These correspond with the ages of the IGFA Small Fry and Junior memberships. We provide everything from food to bait and tackle, with prizes awarded to contestants through the generosity of numerous individuals, businesses and angling clubs. The young anglers gain experience in handling tackle, identifying inshore species, DFG regulations, good sportsmanship and camaraderie.”
Registration for each event begins at 8:00 a.m. with fishing from 9-noon and lunch following. Locations are:
June 23 – Berkeley Pier I-80 to University Avenue in Berkeley, drive west and follow the road to the pier.
July 7 – Avila Beach Pier Highway 101 to Avila Rd., then west; turn left off of Avila Rd. onto Front St. and follow it to the pier.
July 21 – Paradise Park Pier Highway 101 to the Tiburon exit (State Highway 131). West on Tiburon Blvd. to Trestle Glen Blvd. where you will turn left; follow this to Paradise Dr.; turn right a short distance to the entrance of the park.
August 4 – Oceanside Pier From I-5 take Mission Blvd. west to Pacific, turn left and follow it to the pier.
