Young Anglers Take On Lake Elsinore During Fishing Derby

Sunny skies and warm temps made for nice angling weather, as nearly 120 kids cast their lines during Lake Elsinore’s 10th annual Just 4 Kids Fishing Derby Saturday morning.

Lined up along Lake Elsinore’s levee, youth 15 and under competed to see who could catch the biggest fish.

Carp, blue gill, catfish, bass and wiper swim the lake, but it was a 3.85-pound carp, caught by 10-year-old Logan Lane, that turned out to be the prizewinning catch Saturday.

Joseph Raposa, 8, earned a second-place prize with his 2.15-pound carp, and Jason Guevarra, 8, took third with his .51-pound blue gill.

Tackle boxes, fishing poles and angling kits were handed out by the city to derby winners. The event was free.

The kids got to keep their fish if they wanted, but Lake Elsinore Recreational Specialist Sally Stuckey said the city was encouraging catch-and-release during the event.

Kai Aragon, 6, was on hand, hoping to recapture some of the glory he earned during last year’s derby. He took second place in 2010 with a 2-pound catfish, but this year was a bust.

Outfitted in his fisherman’s cap and camo gaiters, Kai kept a focused eye on the lake.

“No bites,” he said.

Coming up empty-hooked wasn’t a big deal for the young angler. The real reason to come out Saturday was so he could play with his cousins, who also competed in the derby.

“This is a great event,” said Kai’s dad, Greg Aragon. “It’s a way to bring the community and the kids together.”

As for the lack of fish, Greg said, “There’s always next year.”