They have them Oakland, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Seal Beach, Huntington Beach, Santa Cruz and San Diego, to name a few. All up and down the coast (and inland lakes, too) there are fishing derbies that "lure" parents and children into the experience, feeling the exciting ‘tap, tap' of the line. It's a notice that you've caught something and it may be time to reel it in. The big surprise is finding out what you've caught.

It doesn't take much to get hooked — or to catch a fish. Good bait, a rod & reel are the start. You can buy the entire set up for around $25. Or you can rent your rod & reel on some California piers and concessions, just to try it out. Go ahead. Try it! It's fun.

Upcoming derbies include a Kids Fishing Derby in Long Beach on Belmont Pier, August 5; Huck Finn Fishing Derby where you can dress like Huck Finn or Becky Thatcher at Huntington Beach Pier on August 13; and Seal Beach Rotary Kids Fishing Derby on Seal Beach Pier August 27, 2011. Read on...>