“Chum the water” fishing secrets and more were over-heard from parents at the Santee Firefighters Fishing Derby held on June 25 at Santee Lakes. Chum is bait made up of chopped fish. That tip and a more common phrase, “You’ve got a bite” echoed from parents tipping off their kids to run to a pole.
“Chum the water” fishing secrets and more were over-heard from parents at the Santee Firefighters Fishing Derby held on June 25 at Santee Lakes. Chum is bait made up of chopped fish. That tip and a more common phrase, “You’ve got a bite” echoed from parents tipping off their kids to run to a pole.
Santee firefighter/paramedic William “Catfish Bill” Walkenhorst was in charge at this annual event that is for kids only and free to kids aged 3-17. Walkenhorst estimated registration at around 200 counting preregistered and walk-ins. Walkenhorst noted the lake had been stocked with catfish recently and that the kids could keep and take home their catfish to cook.
Boy Scoutmaster Darrel Timan, with Troup 384, was on also on hand with ten of his scouts. The Boy Scouts have also been instrumental in supporting this annual event according to Timan who said this was their ninth year backing the derby.
“The kids were ready to wake up at 5 a.m.,” said Stanley Phan of his two boys’ excitement to do the derby. The derby started at 6 a.m. and ran until 11 a.m.
‘Mayonnaise and sriracha sauce” were the keys to fixing fish tacos with the catfish caught according to John Dork, father of Ian Dork, 8, who caught the heaviest catfish weighing in at four pounds.
Youngster Eva Angelina Cody, 7, showed her skills on how to set a hook. Eva previously landed fish elsewhere worthy of having her picture go viral on Country Rebel media. Her father, Lance Cody, who got her to the derby in spite of wearing a cast from a broken heel, recounted that their way of finding a fishing hole was “Where Donnie goes,” as in their friend, Donnie Louden, a fisherman known for finding fish according to Cody. Louden, the human fish finder, was just feet away on the pier.
Categories for prizes ranged from Most Fish: 1st-Manipon Nathan, 2nd- Paloma Jakubowski, and 3rd-Ian Dork. First fish caught award went to Steven Bustillos, longest fish was 23” caught by Neil Glass, and Cyann Hunnewell landed the smallest fish prize at 17”.
The Lakeside Optimist Club is to be credited for supplying fishing poles and preparing lunch for the kids. Lakeside Bait & Tackle ponied up 1500 night crawlers to be handed out as a “cup of worms.”
Walkenhoust spearheaded the distribution of awards and raffle prizes. Santee Firefighters Association purchased poles, tackles boxes, outdoor games, footballs, and more for raffle prizes.
The business of firefighting was still an active and alert premise with Walkenhorst pointing out that, “We have a brush crew at the Border Fire.” On hand for the derby were six on duty and three off duty firefighters and a firetruck. When a call for help came via radio some of the firefighters headed out.
Santee Firefighters Association provided a fire free safe zone and a good time to the youth.
