Tuna Kahuna always a big catch for South Elgin

Nestled among busy homes in South Elgin, kids of all ages competed Saturday for the title of "Big Kahuna."

The banks of the small pond were filled with hundreds of people fishing for bass and bluegill at the 20th annual Tuna Kahuna Free Fishing Contest.

"If we can turn just one kid on to fishing through this event, we have successfully done our job," said Shane Hamilton, superintendent of the South Elgin Parks and Recreation Department.

Last year about 150 people were in attendance, and kids caught 49 fish, including 31 bluegill, 10 catfish and five bass. Hamilton said there also are a couple of northern pike - which average 28 to 47 inches - swimming around in the pond.

The pond there is stocked with a variety of fish, affording kids a better opportunity of landing a catch. For details, visit www.southelgin.com.