Catch of The Day: San Clemente Youth Fishing Derby
Feb 13, 2025 09:28AM ● By Lori Donchak
Zephyr Honens, 7, of San Clemente at the Fishing Derby in 2019. Photo by Jeff Antenore
by Lori Donchak
Bonito. Croaker. Sand Bass. Visitors often are unaware that the San Clemente Pier is designated as both a recreational and fishing Pier by the state of California. But ask anyone fishing on the Pier, and they’ll tell you it’s an angler’s slice of paradise, a superb fishing spot that dates back almost 100 years. In 1928, City Founder Ole Hanson intended and built the Pier almost exclusively for fishing. Life-long local fisherman Dave Peter remembers at the age of 12, hanging around the Pier in the 1960s hoping for a ‘buddy pass’ that would let him fish for free aboard a San Clemente tuna boat.
Bonito. Croaker. Sand Bass. Visitors often are unaware that the San Clemente Pier is designated as both a recreational and fishing Pier by the state of California. But ask anyone fishing on the Pier, and they’ll tell you it’s an angler’s slice of paradise, a superb fishing spot that dates back almost 100 years. In 1928, City Founder Ole Hanson intended and built the Pier almost exclusively for fishing. Life-long local fisherman Dave Peter remembers at the age of 12, hanging around the Pier in the 1960s hoping for a ‘buddy pass’ that would let him fish for free aboard a San Clemente tuna boat.
Fishing is a Pier legacy. It’s good for the soul. It teaches patience, focus, the ability to connect with nature and, of course, that sense of success that comes from the catch.
To celebrate the Pier’s fishing heritage, the City hosts an annual Youth Fishing Derby for kids between the ages of 5-13. The event takes place on San Clemente Day, which is Saturday, February 22 this year. San Clemente Beaches Parks & Recreation Director Samantha Wylie says the event was created in honor of the City’s 90th birthday in 2018. At the time, the goal was to host a day of events that incorporated the City’s iconic facilities (Pier, Beach Club, Golf Course). The Youth Fishing Derby was a great fit to highlight the Pier’s history as a fishing pier while also providing a unique experience to San Clemente in a space not typically used for community events. About 100-125 kids participate in the event annually. Fishing poles are provided at no cost from the CA Department of Fish & Wildlife.
Kids can reel in prizes for the first fish caught, biggest fish and most fish. According to Samantha, over the years, young anglers have caught a variety of fish and sea life including a sting ray and baby shark (both released back to the ocean). Face painting and other activities add to the fun and help introduce a new generation to the magic of fishing from the Pier. Register your kids at san-clemente.org. The event begins at 9am, rain or shine.
It’s no surprise that The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar, an iconic Pier destination, would help underwrite the event. Manager Mark Esparza says the restaurant is especially proud of the partnership and notes the Youth Fishing Derby is a tradition that builds community and celebrates our beloved Pier.
Dana Wharf Sportfishing also sponsors the Fishing Derby. Owner Donna Kalez will be the first to tell you that the Pier has a special place in her heart. Her family fishing business started there in the 1950s, thanks to the vision of her dad Don Hansen. “In fact, my dad started his business as a little kid, hauling people’s fish off the Pier with his old red wagon for 10 cents.” Donna adds, “Fishing piers are very important to the sportfishing industry, making fishing accessible for all of us. The Derby is great fun, and who knows, one of the kids fishing off the Pier today may become a future deckhand or captain.”
Importantly, the Pier is well-equipped for fisher folk. Up to two rods per person are allowed, and the San Clemente Pier Grill & Tackle has gear. Fish cleaning tables and sinks are conveniently located along the rails. Another key amenity: several fishing line recycling stations, donated by PierPride Foundation. PierPride’s mission is to preserve and enhance the Pier. As Pier stewards, when it comes to fishing, Reel in and Recycle is their motto. Fishing line is not bio-degradeable and can entangle and kill wildlife. Birds, dolphins and fish are particularly at risk. PierPride Board member Jim Nielsen built the original recycling canisters using guidelines from CA Department of Fish & Wildlife. He’s been encouraged by how well-used the canisters are and helps the City with maintenance and eco-friendly fishing line disposal.
Unlike fishing in many other waterways, Pier fishing in California is unique because it does not require a license. All are welcome. Over 30 fish species have been tracked off San Clemente Pier. Catch and release rules and seasonal restrictions apply. Local fishing veterans also stress Pier etiquette: don’t carve notches for rods in the railing, be respectful of marine life and other fishers, clean up when you leave, and no over-head casting.
As for infamous San Clemente Pier fish tales? Probably the most mysterious is the eight foot Great White shark allegedly caught by Ben in 2015 weighing close to 500 pounds and near the Pier to chase Bonito. Somehow the fisherman who was using a 40-pound line, severely cut his ear while reeling the shark in and at the last minute…released. Or could it be the 280 pound Giant Sea Bass anonymously photographed on the Pier in 2010? And more than one person recalls the night a woman named June snagged a 135 pound Bat Ray in 1999. PierPride Foundation (via social media and at pierpride.org) would love to hear any fish tales you might want to share, even including the ones that got away.
Every day is a perfect day to visit the Pier, a portal to many ocean adventures By the way, the Fishing Derby is also a spectator sport. What better way to spend a Saturday morning than watching the delight of kids making their first catch of the day.
PierPride.org
PierPride.org
