Reeling In Some Young Anglers

The waters were a little choppy and the weather was hot, but for 450 inner-city youths, Monday was a perfect day to try their hand at fishing.

Packed onto Pierpoint Landing in Long Beach, eager children ages 6 to 17 polished off their barbecue lunches as they waited for their chance to participate in the Los Angeles Rod and Reel Club’s 50th fishing trip.

Children from youth organizations across the county were taken out on half-day trips on four boats to learn the basics of sport fishing.

The youths, predominantly from low-income families, were invited as part of a tradition that started half a century ago, when some of the club’s founders “wanted to give something back to the sport,” said Frank Polak, the club’s media and publicity chairman.

“These are not suburban, well-to-do kids here. [They’re] kids from a troubled background that need a day doing something out of the city,” Polak said.

“We have 15- to 16-year-old kids, and this is the first time they have ever seen the ocean.”

About 100 volunteers put on the event, with $5,000 in club funds and an additional $5,000 from donations.

“It’s pretty exciting to see the kids that haven’t been fishing before,” said Michael Ross Dinovitz, a volunteer.

The event started under clear blue skies at 7 a.m., when 205 youngsters climbed aboard the four boats. When they returned after noon, they were laughing, talking and ready to share stories of their experiences.

“I caught six fish,” said Eduardo Perez, 11, who caught barracuda and sea bass.

For many, this was their first time fishing and their first time being on a boat.

Selina Pene, 12, of the Lennox Boys and Girls Club, who caught a single barracuda, said fishing skills are something she will use again.

“It was a great experience,” she said.