The 22nd annual "Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs" children's event in Chico saw an estimated 3,500 kids converge on 5-acre Horseshoe Lake in Upper Bidwell Park last week, making it one of the largest such single-day events in the United States. "Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs" is a program of the American Sportfishing Association.
Some 8,000 pounds of channel catfish were planted in the little 5-acre pond. Most of the cats were in the 1 to 4-pound class, but a decent percentage of the whiskerfish were impressive-looking 5 to 10-pounders. A handful of monsters exceeding 15 pounds were planted, but none were successfully wrangled to shore.

Overall attendance showed an increase of about 1,000 more kids than last year's 2,500, but still not quite up to 2008's record-shattering crowd of 4'100 children. The weather was nearly perfect, with sunny skies and light breezes.

The catfish were biting eagerly almost immediately, with a steady stream of bent rods and flashing nets punctuated by squeals of delight (and occasionally terror). As the morning wore on, those kids who could cast a little further were more likely to be rewarded. Lots and lots of "quality time" was being spent learning a sport that can be shared for a lifetime.

Lots of tiny fisherkids under age 5 visited the "Huck Finn Ponds", many of them catching fish right out of their strollers! Several hundred fish were taken out of the kiddie pools, and this area was so popular, dozens of people were waiting in line at any given time.

Volunteers in the Huck Finn area were mostly local teenagers, including 13-year old Aline Henriksen of Chico, who had previously fished the event every year since the age of two. "I really appreciate the chance to help the smaller kids enjoy this event just like I did", said Henriksen.

Typical of the attendees was 9-year old Josie Graves of Chico, who has attended the event for several years running, and who says, "I really like holding the fish." Meanwhile, 8-year old Camille Cross of Chico prefers "Catching them!" Another event veteran, 3-year old Tyler Landucci of Oroville says that his favorite thing is "To net the fish!", and little 3-year old Rhett Milne of Orland sums it up simply with, "I really like to fish!"

Another interesting item was the Chico Bass Club's program that awarded a free Shakespeare "Barbie" or "Spiderman" rod and reel combo to any child who released one of the lake's resident fish population. Some 16 combos were given out for the release of 7 largemouth bass, 2 carp, 5 wild hybrid goldfish, and 2 bullheads.

A diverse group of Chico-area individuals, businesses and civic groups come together to make this event happen. An 8-person "Hooked on Fishing" committee headed by Pete Giampaoli of Chico works literally year-round raising funds, arranging fish deliveries, ordering the special non-lead Danielson "Enviro-Quest" steel sinkers and other logistics.

Giampaoli said, "Our goal is for every child to have the chance to catch a fish, regardless of if they have tackle or not, or if they can afford it. We want kids to experience the outdoors, and learn a sport they can enjoy for their entire lives."

Rigging and repair of the 500 loaner rods is accomplished by the Chico Bass Club, with other local anglers lending a hand. Use of the clubhouse facilities at Horseshoe Lake is generously given by the Chico Rod and Gun Club.

The loaners are basic spincast combos rigged "Carolina-style" with a #2 snelled hook and nightcrawlers as bait. Bidwell Park requires the use of "non-lead" sinkers. The Chico Bass Club also supplied many of the skilled "fishing coaches" at the water's edge during the event.

Perhaps the most difficult task is performed by the Chico Rotary, who handled the yeoman duty of cleaning over a thousand catfish. The Chico Area Flyfishers set up the terrific aquarium display showing the many species of fish that inhabit Horseshoe Lake. The US Fish and Wildlife Service had an educational display, with an interesting new twist on the "Gyotaku" fish-printing art form.

Purchase of the catfish stocked in the lake cost over $25,000 this year, so financial contributions are vital. Among the leading sponsors are the Friends of Rollo, Bryan V. Kerchal Memorial, California Inland Fisheries Foundation, Chico Sunrise Rotary, Chico Area Flyfishers, Chico Noon Rotary, and the Butte County Fish and Game Commission.