Reeling in the big fish – and prizes

Accepting her third award in as many years Saturday, 5-year-old Lexie Ortega beat out hundreds of fellow fishermen to win her most prestigious award yet — the Largest Fish of the Day at Huntington Beach’s 46th annual Huck Finn Fishing Derby.

Lexie was one of about 280 kids younger than 15 who came out to the Huntington Beach Pier to fish with their families, win prizes and compete in a Huck Finn and Becky Thatcher costume contest. Lexie only caught one fish, but her yellowtail croaker was enough to win her the big prize. She said her dad taught her to fish, but her secret was in the equipment.

“I got the golden fishing pole,” Lexie said of her rod, which she won last year at the derby.

Many families came out to the city event, and the Department of Fish and Game was on hand to lend poles and equipment. During the costume contest, kids paraded in a circle dressed as miniature replicas of Huck and Becky. Barefoot boys in straw hats, overalls and plaid shirts with rucksacks slung over their shoulders pulled marbles, slingshots and frogs out of their pockets to impress the judges. Girls wore gingham dresses with bonnets and baskets on their arms. Star Jones, 8, and River Sandoval, 6, won new bikes.

Prizes were awarded by age for the fishing derby, but everyone walked away with something. Poles, reels, tackle boxes full of supplies, T-shirts and fishing passes were raffled off to the children. Dan Fink, vice president of the United Anglers of Southern California, was master of ceremonies, and said they gave away an estimated $10,000 in prizes.

With the lure of prizes and a chance with fish with her family, mother-of-three Penny Hayen said they have come out for the last seven years.

“It’s a whole lot of fun. It’s a fun family thing,” Hayen said.

With 2-year-old Madeline, 4-year-old Logan and 11-year-old Dillon, the family came out from Midway City to join the festivities. For Dillon, the derby is time for him to spend with his family.

“It’s really fun. I’m never with my family — I’m usually outside skating,” Dillon said as the end of his pole started bending down. “It’s nice to have time with my family.”