Southbay Kiwanis Host Annual Kids Fishing Derby

Publication Info: Imperial Beach Eagle & Times

Publication Date: August 16, 2019

The Southbay Kiwanis are a club of locals dedicated to helping out the youth of Imperial Beach and other neighboring areas. With over 32 members, this group has been serving our community since 1949. They host events for children, and sponsor the Key Club at Mar Vista High, a club dedicated to volunteer work. The next event approaching quickly is the Kids Fishing Derby, and Leon Benham has lots of information to share about it.

Benham was introduced to the Kiwanis through Gary Trieshman, Bud Webb, Dr. Jeff Brown, Bill Hixon, Gary Brown and Shirley Nakawatase. They all showed him the benefits of giving back to the community. Benham has been involved in the Kids Fishing Derby for four years, but the event itself is over 35 years old. He said, “With the help of the San Diego Unified Port District this has become a very iconic event and low cost event for local families. It helps kids to understand the basics of fishing and value the environment we live in. It also promotes the use of social skills.”

The event takes place on the Imperial Beach pier on Saturday, Aug. 24, and is a staple for our community and the fishermen that frequently use it. Benham himself has been fishing there since 1963. “The IB fishing pier has always been and is still a great meeting place for the locals in Imperial Beach.”

This is a great event for bringing the community together, especially due to it’s long-standing history. When asked how he thinks this event promotes a sense of unity Benham said, “Volunteers bring their children and grandchildren. Everybody has known each other for 20+ years. People who fished in the derby as kids are now bringing their kids.

Lizzette Torres-Mathews has two children, Sean and Max Mathews, who have participated in the last two derbys. She said, “The boys absolutely loved this event. They were just happy and intrigued at the whole fishing process! Not being a fisher, I had no idea about all of the techniques that can be used to fish and all the different types of lures there are to catch various types of fish.”

Torres-Mathews thought the fishing derby brought the community together. “We saw a few of our neighbors at the event, and ever since my children love to discuss fishing with them, as well as what new lures, fishing poles and all sorts of items they have bought recently. These events are definitely awesome for our community and also the children wanting to learn about the sport.”

If you have children interested in participating in this event, Benham offered information. “For families with children, bring your fishing poles. If you don’t have one that’s okay, we have loaners. Volunteers should show up at 7:30 a.m and the event starts at 9 a.m. [on Saturday, Aug. 24].The awards are given at 11:05 a.m. with lunch provided by the Tin Fish restaurant at the end of the pier. Lunch is for the kids only.”

If you are interested in volunteering there is no sign-up required, just show up at the pier at 7:30 a.m. and offer your help!

The Southbay Kiwanis have another fun event scheduled for the local kids. On Sept. 28, they will be holding a Kids Ocean Discovery Day, also taking place at the Imperial Beach Pier. It starts at 8 a.m.

Benham added, “If you really want the inside scoop, get there early, around 6:30 to 7 a.m. and have a cup of coffee or hot cocoa.”

The Kiwanis have been working tirelessly for decades providing fun, educational activities for the children and teenagers of the area, and that’s what they’ll continue to do in the coming years. If you appreciate the efforts of this group, make sure to show your support by attending these exciting events and volunteering, or bringing your children to experience all the Kiwanis have to offer.