Young anglers ages six through 15 will again compete in the free Young Anglers’ Tournament this weekend at the Shelter Island Pier. The tenth annual installment of the saltwater event is sponsored by the International Game Fish Association (IGFA), the San Diego Sportfishing Council and the Unified Port of San Diego, and will feature a points system to allow for catch and release. Winners — one in each age category between 6 and 15 — will be determined by adding up points for various fish caught. The angler with the most points overall will be recognized on the tournaments’ perpetual trophy. IGFA representatives and volunteers from the United Pier and Shore Anglers Club, San Diego Rod & Reel and the San Diego Anglers will be on hand to assist young anglers and to tally points. Young anglers in the competition are encouraged to bring their own gear, although a limited number of loaner rods will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Small quantities of bait will be provided to each angler while supplies last. The Shelter Island Pier Tournament takes place at 1776 Shelter Island Drive. Registration begins at 9 a.m. Fishing begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 1 p.m. Prizes will be awarded by 2 p.m. Hot dogs, chips, and sodas will be served to all registered anglers. Lunch will be provided courtesy of Stump’s Village Market of Rancho Santa Fe and Tommy Gomes from Catalina Offshore Products and Specialty Produce.??Sponsors include Okuma Fishing Tackle, Anglers Distributing, De-Fishing Soap, Friends of Rollo, Point Loma Sportfishing and H&M Landing. Prizes and raffle drawing items for the tournament include rods and reels, hats, T-shirts, fishing gear and deep-sea fishing trips. Loaner gear, bait and tackle are provided by Okuma Fishing Tackle, Anglers Distributing and Friends of Rollo.?The San Diego Sportfishing Council is a California nonprofit corporation established in 1979 and represents San Diego’s sportfishing industry. Its mission is to promote San Diego sportfishing as an attractive marine recreational activity to increase awareness of sportfishing opportunities on San Diego Bay. For more information, call (619) 234-8793 or visit www.sportfishing.org.
