The Youth Fishing Program had a big boost this past week when a large attendance was reached in the Marina Del Rey Halibut Derby. The Program takes children from Southern California, including many at-risk children from disadvantaged neighborhoods, on half-day fishing trips. This is often the first time these children have been fishing or have been on a boat, and occasionally it is the first time they have seen the ocean.

The children, ages 7 to 15, were from several organizations including Boys and Girls Clubs of La Habra, Cypress, Santa Monica, and Anaheim; the Catholic Charities of Cerritos; PAL Groups from Santa Monica; and the El Sereno Youth Center.

Several members of the Marina del Rey Anglers and representatives from other organizations were aboard the party boat, "Betty O" to teach the children a few basic steps to help them catch fish. Almost every child caught at least one fish and several caught many. Most of the fish caught were sand bass, mackerel, calico bass, barracuda, and sculpin. The largest and most noteworthy fish boated by one of the children was a 7-pound yellowtail, caught by Luiz Marin, age 13. from Santa Monica PAL. (See Photos Below) The crew of the "Betty O" and the skipper, Michael Reinsc, are experienced with children on board and were instrumental in making the trip successful and safe for the youngsters.