Byline: The Log Staff
SAN DIEGO — The eighth annual Chuck Byron Fish On! event was held in September on Shelter Island.
The San Diego Rod & Reel Club hosted a yellowtail and dorado tournament Sept 22, open to both nonmembers and members. Several of the club members offered to take a father-child team out on their boat and join in the day of catching. According to organizers, everyone weighed in fish — and the “big fish” winners were presented with awards at a luncheon the following day.
On Sept. 23, Bali Hai Restaurant offered its outdoor pavilion on the bay for a festive Fish On! fundraiser. At this luncheon, prizes were awarded to the winners of the Chuck Byron Youth Marine Art Contest, in which young artists ages 5 to 17 submitted a wide range of artwork. A live auctioneer was there to help auction the young artists’ works, along with original artwork from top marine artists.
The fishing industry and art community donated thousands of dollars in products for a raffle at the Bali Hai event, to help raise funds to take these young artists out fishing and teach them about Pacific marine resources. Teaching youths the “Art of Fishing” has inspired many kids over the past eight years, through this program and annual event, organizers said.
The Friends of Rollo Foundation and the San Diego Rod & Reel Club have been major supporters of the Fish On! event, taking hundreds of kids fishing since 2004, when the Chuck Byron Fish On! began.
For more information on getting young artists involved in the program or on future events, contact Fish On! director Lori Byron-Sachau at chuckbyron.com.
