Chico's "Hooked on Fishing" sees record crowd of 4,100 kids

The 16th annual "Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs" children's event in Chico saw an estimated 4,100 kids converge on Horseshoe Lake in Upper Bidwell Park last week, making it easily the largest such single-day event in the Untied States.

Fish were caught in both record numbers and sizes. One of the largest fish was caught by 7-year old Leia Tyner of Chico, who bested a 10-plus pound channel cat using one of the loaner rods. Another monstrous double-digit catfish was caught by 10-year old Kelly Liou of Chico, and it was her first fish ever to boot.

Other great fish stories included 8-year old Zach Johnson of Magalia, who caught and released a huge 7-pound largemouth bass, earning himself a brand new fishing rod courtesy of the Chico Bass Club.

Perhaps most amazing was the experience of 10-year old Adrianna Garcia of Chico. Early in the day, a large catfish had literally dragged one of the loaner rods out into the depths of the lake. More than an hour later, Adrianna accidentally snagged that rod with her own hook, pulling in the submerged rod with a 5-pound whiskerfish still attached to the line!

A diverse group of Chico-area individuals, businesses and civic groups come together to make this event happen. An 8-person "Hooked on Fishing" committee headed by Pete Giampaoli works literally year-round raising funds, arranging fish deliveries, ordering the special non-lead "Enviro-Quest" steel sinkers required for Bidwell Park, and other logistics.

Rigging and repair of the 600 loaner rods is accomplished by the Chico Bass Club, with the use of the clubhouse at Horseshoe Lake given by the Chico Rod and Gun Club. The Chico Bass Club also supplied many of the skilled "fishing coaches" at the water's edge during the event.

Perhaps the most difficult task is handled by the Chico Sunrise Rotary, who performed the yeoman duty of cleaning several thousand catfish. The Chico Area Flyfishers set up the terrific aquarium display showing the many species of fish that inhabit Horseshoe Lake, as well as doing fly-tying demonstrations.

Purchase of the catfish stocked in the lake cost $28,000 this year, so financial contributions are vital. Among the leading sponsors are Friends of Rollo, Butte County Fish and Game Commission, Chico Sunrise Rotary, Chico Noon Rotary, Franklin Construction, Foothill Associates, Tony Symmes and the California Inland Fisheries Foundation.

Those interested in donating to the Chico event can do so by calling 530-891-4757.