Del Bishop Optimist Kid’s Fishing Derby set for Atascadero Lake
– The Optimist Clubs of Paso Robles and Atascadero will hold their annual Del Bishop Optimist Kid’s Fishing Derby at Atascadero Lake on Sunday, April 19.
All children under 15 are invited to participate. Youth ages 16 and older may also participate but are required to have a state-issued fishing license.
On-site registration begins at 8 a.m. Parents are encouraged to pre-register at Eventbrite.com so the clubs can provide enough prizes and food for participants.
The event is free and includes equipment rental, bait, instruction, and a hot dog lunch. A drawing for additional prizes takes place after lunch. The lake contains largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill, perch, and occasional planted rainbow trout. Prizes are awarded for the largest fish caught, the smallest fish caught, and the largest stringer. All state fishing regulations are in effect, and parents should be aware of rules regarding catch and release or possession.
Each fish brought to the scale will be weighed and measured, and the participant’s name, age, and city will be recorded. The final weigh-in is at noon, with lunch and awards to follow.
The derby has become a biannual event in the North County. Event coordinator and Paso Robles club member Chuck Sawyer said, “This is a great event for parents to spend some time with their kids, sitting by the lake, and enjoying a friendly competition. Fishing has always been a part of my life, and I’m glad to be able to share my passion for the outdoors with these kids and their families.”
The derby is named in honor of club member and local tournament fisherman Del Bishop, who started the event many years ago and passed away last spring.
The Optimist Clubs of Paso Robles and Atascadero are local chapters of Optimist International, an international service organization dedicated to improving the lives of youth in the community. Those interested in joining or learning more can call Jerry Tanimoto at (805) 423-3364 or Chuck Sawyer at (805) 591-9590.
Sawyer added, “The Optimist Clubs can put your passions to work in the community. I’ve been a club member for 19 years, and helping to make the world a better place for youth in the community is what the Optimist Clubs are all about. I love being a part of this organization, and I encourage anyone who has a passion for helping youth, or fishing, to become a member today!”
Click here to learn more and reserve a spot.
