Tuna Kahuna fishing contest marks 20th year in South Elgin
Kids will compete for the title of "Big Kahuna" while fishing for bass and bluegill on Saturday, June 20, at the 20th annual Tuna Kahuna Free Fishing Contest in South Elgin.
"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 at the pond. There, kids caught 49 fish including 31 bluegill, 10 catfish, and five bass.
The categories for competition include bass, bluegill, catfish, crappie and other. But Hamilton said there are a couple of northern pike - which average 28 to 47 inches - swimming around in the pond.
One the most exciting moments came during the 2013 competition when a young girl hooked and reeled in the biggest fish Hamilton had ever seen at the competition - a 13-pound catfish. Hamilton said his favorite part of the event is watching a young kid catch his first fish.
The event will also honor Len Steurer, who was the South Elgin Kiwanis Club member who founded the event in 1995. Hamilton said Steurer deserves credit for the event's success.
"It's all Len's vision," Hamilton said. "He's the backbone of the event. We just took it and have been riding his coattails."
The event used to be held along the Fox River, but due to safety issues and high water, the event was relocated to Blackhawk Park. The pond there is stocked with a variety of fish, affording kids a better opportunity of landing a catch.
One new addition to the event is called Hook, Line, and Fireman. In this game, kids toss a line into the water while divers from the South Elgin Fire Department swim under and connect the line to a prize.
"The idea came from my dad, who was a diver for the South Elgin Fire Department," Hamilton said. "He deserves all the credit in the world."
There will also be a disc jockey, games and bounce houses for kids to enjoy.
The event is free for children age 15 and younger. Participants must provide their own bait and fishing equipment, but the SS Minnow Bait Shop will be selling bait on site. For details, visit www.southelgin.com.
If you go
What: 20th annual Tuna Kahuna Free Fishing Contest
When: 9 a.m. Saturday June 20; registration at 8 a.m.
Where: Blackhawk Park, 1479 Blackhawk Circle, South Elgin
Details: Free, open to children 15 and younger. Bait sold on site; bring your own fishing equipment.
Contact: (847) 622-0003; <a href="http://www.southelgin.com">www.southelgin.com</a>