Huck Finn Fishing Derby

Huntington Beach Pier August 10, 2019, 9:15-Noon

9:15 a.m.-12 p.m.

Huntington Beach Pier
Pacific Coast Highway at Main St.
Huntington Beach, CA
Free admission - bring your own fishing pole, bait is provided! A limited amount of loaner poles are available.

Prizes awarded for best Huck Finn or Becky Thatcher costume. Prizes for biggest fish, smallest fish, and more.
Helpful assistants on the pier will get your kids going with baiting their hooks

By Chris MacDonald, HB Ambassador and The Local News Columnist

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIF. -- Kids from age 7 to 15 participate in the Annual Huck Finn Fishing Derby at Huntington Beach Pier each August after the U.S. Open of Surfing has come and gone. Hosted by Let's Go Fishing and sponsored by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the City of HB's Community Services (hbsands.org) and many more, prizes are awarded for the largest fish caught in three divisions. The festival which also includes Huck Finn and Becky Thatcher look-alike contests is designed to teach kids how to fish and take care of their ocean.

"It's a really fun event, where children learn about fishing. Some have never fished before and they are loaned rods and bait," said Game Warden Larry Stephens of the California Department of Fish and Game. "This gives kids who've never fished their first opportunity and the younger generation learns about how to help preserve our beautiful natural resources, such as the ocean and creatures in it." Fishing from California Piers does not require a permit. (To find out about Fish and Game Regulations, go to wildlife.ca.gov).

"I've seen kids coming back to this event for more than 23 years," said Marian Johnson, owner of "Let's Go Fishing," a store on the pier. "I've seen little children fish and participate in the Huck Finn-Becky Thatcher Costume Contest, who have grown up and brought their kids to do the same thing and it's all free!"

"I love to see the creativity shown in the kids' costumes," said Mike Rincon, an avid fisherman, Johnson's grandson and manager of the store."

Many volunteers helped make the kids fishing dreams come true, including longtime fisherman Frank Marty. "We really rely on volunteers and sponsors to make this so successful each year," said Molly Uemura, event coordinator from Edison Community Center. "We want to thank all our sponsors and especially Sport Chalet, who provided new bicycles for the costume contest winners."

Legendary Radio Personality Phil Friedman, who hosts two weekly fishing shows (one in Spanish) on XTRA690, was the announcer of the derby. HB's Award-winning TV Host, Cameraman and Editor Matt Liffering filmed the event, which was viewed by hundreds of cheering spectators on the packed HB Pier. Matt's work will be featured on a future "Surf City Highlights" (HBTV-Channel 3).

"This is an event I always look forward too. It gets better every year," said veteran Derby Judge Chris MacDonald. "Everything is free and anyone in the age groups can participate, even if they've never fished before. The city and all the sponsors do a terrific job in making it happen."

Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.