John Palminteri
SANTA YNEZ VALLEY, Calif. (KEYT) – There will be boat loads of fishing lovers at Cachuma Lake this weekend for the Neal Taylor Nature Center’s Annual Fishing Derby.
Last year, nearly 600 participants took part, including all ages from 5-years-old and up. They shared in $10,000 in prizes. Those included cash, fishing gear, gift baskets and certificates for restaurants.
Participants come in from throughout the Central Coast and some from many cities more than two hours away.
Ralph Galindo is from Chino east of Los Angeles and says, “it is just a real beautiful place get away from work and you know a bad day fishing is better than a good day at work and this is the place to spend it.”
The lake is full from the winter rains. Even during drought years the turnout has been strong.
Neal Taylor Nature Center Executive Director Julie McDonald says, “depending on the type of fish you are fishing for sometimes it’s better when the lake is a little lower so it’s all good depending on what you are fishing on, you are going to catch something.”
The registrations are strong with about 500 already signed up.
The derby takes place rain of shine and last year it rained on Saturday. This year it is sunny and beautiful and many people hope their name is read as a winner Sunday at noon.
A winner from last year, made it by about an inch. Kayla Maher said, “I fish here often so I know when the big ones come but it is close I almost got beat by about an inch. “
Cheryl Rossman and her family have been to all 29 derby events. She said, “I think it is awesome that the whole community participates and gets together from 99 years to one it is very cool.” They have customs shirts made and bring a large group.
During the winners ceremony one person makes free hot dogs, another throws out bags of peanuts like at a Dodger game.
The center raised more than $35,000 for the programs at the Neal Taylor Nature Center on-site, which promotes education and ecology around the Cachuma Lake Recreation area about 30 minutes from Santa Barbara. . Those who come through annually learn about the wide variety of animals and overall history of the lake.
Neal Taylor was a beloved naturalist here from 1983 to 2002 and was a fishing expert who taught many children and four Presidents how to cast a line.
McDonald said, “we have over 40,000 kids and families come through every single year. You kinda get the idea there’s a lot going on here so we really are a hidden gem.”
The event kicks off with a flare gun shot at 6 a.m. Saturday. It ends at noon on Sunday.
The lake has had recent fish stocking to be ready for this event.
Prizes will be awarded in a variety of categories ranging from ages to types of fish caught in the event.
For more information go to: Neal Taylor Nature Center Fishing Derby
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Pacific Coast Highway at US 101 (Exit 78) to Mobil Pier Road.