- The Marina del Rey Youth Fishing Program has been providing fishing trips for underprivileged children for over 20 years. In past years it
has been limited to one or two trips each summer. In 1999, it was expanded to twelve half-day trips and the projection for year 2000 is
sixteen trips. Each trip takes thirty youngsters out on the ocean, each
one with a rod and reel, and instructions how to use them.
- The program is directed toward children from disadvantaged neighborhoods
who might otherwise not have the opportunity to experience a fishing trip. In fact, some of the children are seeing the ocean for the first
time. The children, ages seven to fourteen, come from Boys and Girls Clubs, church charity groups, PAL groups, and other child welfare
facilities.
- Members of the Marina del Rey Anglers, the sponsors of the Halibut Derby, accompany the children to familiarize them with the equipment and
ocean fishing. One club, member, Richard Somers, besides donating his time to organize the expanded program, gave a personal financial grant
which assured the program’s perpetuation. The other club members aboard
on most trips are Jerry Napolitano, Dave Napolitano, Ken Brock, Paul Simon, Victor Jedlicka, and Club President Allen Ventura. The captain
and crew of the “Betty O”, the vessel chartered for these trips, are
experienced with children on board. They make the trip enjoyable and safe.
- The trips take place on Santa Monica Bay, which usually yields a variety
of fish. The children catch sand bass, calico bass, mackerel, sculpin, and croakers. Occasionally a lucky young angler will catch a yellowtail
or a halibut.
- The program is also funded by the Marina del Rey Annual Halibut Derby, which has been eminently successful in fund raising in the last two years. In 1999 the Derby had over 1,000 participants including 51 anglers in the Youth Division and over 400 anglers signing up for teams. All of the funds earned by the Derby are used for charities that benefit children and for conservation. The two major recipients of funds from the Derby are the Youth Fishing Program and the Ocean Resources Enhancement Project which rears white sea bass and releases 8 to 10 inch juvenile fish into Santa Monica Bay. The white sea bass fishery was in danger of being depleted by commercial gill netters and long-liners, but this trend has been reversed by the OREP Project. Marina del Rey is one of twelve enhancement facilities on the coast of Southern California.
