Free Kids Fishin Derby
By Amber Ward

Age categories for the derby are 4-7, 8 -11, and 12-15. Each division will award prizes for first, second, and third. One grand prize will be awarded for the heaviest trout overall. photo By Darrel Kinney

The "Fishin' in the Pines" Free Kids Fishing Derby will take place Saturday, Sept. 23 at Lake Cuyamaca.

Sponsored by Mustad Hooks and many others, this is Lake Cuyamaca's biggest fundraiser of the year. Fishing begins at 6 a.m. and registration begins at 8 a.m. Registration is free for all kids. Adults must pay regular fees if they fish. All fish must be weighed in by 12:45 p.m. and prizes will be awarded at 1 p.m.

There will be three categories: ages 4 to 7, ages 8 to 11 and ages 12 to 15. Prizes will be awarded for First, Second and Third Place in each division and there will be a Grand Prize for the heaviest trout overall.

Prizes will be awarded by Congressman Duncan Hunter and the ceremony will be hosted by Capt. John Grabowski and Ed Zieralski from the All Outdoors Radio Network "Talking, Fishing, Hunting, and a Whole Lot More" that airs Sundays on KCBQ-AM 1170.

There will also be a raffle for the adults and other free drawings where children will have a chance to win. The raffle grand prize is an autographed guitar from George Jones. There will also be custom-made rods, and rod & reel combos, tackle boxes, and single and multi-day deep sea fishing trips, and more.

Raffle tickets are available at the lake. Tickets are $2 each or six for $10. Enjoy the live music and be sure not to miss the clowns and face painting. A free lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m., courtesy of the San Diego Anglers. All proceeds benefit the children's programs at Lake Cuyamaca. For more information, call 760-765-0515 or visit www.lakecuyamaca.org.