SAN JACINTO — More than 600 people gathered Saturday, March 28, at the Golden Era Golf Course for the Free Kids Fishing Tournament Inc., where young anglers pulled in 141 fish during a day focused on family, community and outdoor fun.
The event, open to children ages 6 to 15, featured lakes stocked with bass and catfish and drew participants from across the region. Organizers described the turnout as a strong show of community support, with volunteers and sponsors helping make the free event possible.
Eight-year-old Destiny Kuehn recorded the largest catch of the day, landing a 9.86-pound fish. She received four Disneyland tickets, a $100 Disney gift certificate and a trophy. Fourteen-year-old Alfonzo Perez followed with an 8.8-pound fish, earning two Disneyland tickets, a $100 gift certificate and a trophy.
Participants competed in two age groups: a junior division for ages 6–10 and a senior division for ages 11–15. The top 10 finishers in each division received awards and prizes that included recreational outings and local activity passes.
The tournament also offered activities for families throughout the day, including demonstrations, community booths and opportunities for children to learn more about fishing and outdoor recreation. Each participant received a T-shirt, breakfast snack bag, goody bag, lunch and, if needed, a fishing pole.
The event opened with an aerobatic flyover during the national anthem, performed by Linda Greilich of Golden Era Productions. San Jacinto Councilmember Valerie Vandever served as master of ceremonies and helped launch the tournament.
Attendees described the event as a chance for families to spend time outdoors and connect with others in the community. One parent said his son was “ecstatic” after winning Disneyland tickets and is already planning a family trip.
Organizers said the annual tournament continues to grow and aims to provide a safe, engaging environment for children while encouraging time in nature.
More information about the event is available on the Free Kids Fishing Tournament Inc. Facebook page.
Grand Champions:
1st – Destiny Kuehn (9.86 lbs)
2nd – Alfonzo Perez (8.8 lbs)
Senior Division Highlights:
1st – Tyler Weston (7.7 lbs)
2nd – Nathan Williams (5.7 lbs)
3rd – Aiden Van Nortwick (4.5 lbs)
4th – Noel Gonzalez (4.3 lbs)
5th – Ethan Cid (3.3 lbs)
6th – Bradley Wilson (3.0 lbs)
7th – Arcey Ruiz (2.9 lbs)
8th – Liam Cardin (2.8 lbs)
9th – Taylor Fried (2.7 lbs)
10th – Mark Rodriguez (2.5 lbs)
Junior Division Highlights:
1st – Weston James (4.7 lbs)
2nd – Scarlett Van Nortwick (4.6 lbs)
3rd – Lilyanna Rene Felix (3.1 lbs)
4th – Davian Harroquin (2.7 lbs)
5th – Christian Gonzalez (2.7 lbs)
6th – Zachary Culhane (2.5 lbs)
7th – Christopher Boggs (2.3 lbs)
8th – Ethan Francis (2.2 lbs)
9th – James King (2.2 lbs)
10th – Kyna Rodriguez (2.1 lbs)
