Kids compete to catch a big one at Tuna Kahuna

Kids can get a hook, line and sinker at the 21st annual South Elgin Tuna Kahuna Free Fishing Contest from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 18, at Blackhawk Park, 1479 Blackhawk Circle in South Elgin.

"We are trying to introduce kids to fishing," Shane Hamilton, superintendent of parks and recreation, said. "We are trying to get them outdoors and get them out in nature with their family."

The Tuna Kahuna Free Fishing Contest first started in 1995 with the South Elgin Kiwanis Club, but after the club disbanded, members asked the parks and recreation department to take over. Over the years it has become a staple for the community, Hamilton said.

"Everybody looks forward to it. We see a lot of familiar faces that come back and fish with us every year," Hamilton said. "Being around for 21 years, it's pretty impressive for an event to last that long. It will probably be here for another 21 years."

Each year, about 100 to 200 kids come out to the event with their families.

Whoever catches the largest fish in length, within the five different categories of fish, will win a rod/reel combination, tackle box, boat net, minnow bucket and net, fishing line as well as a trophy. The five categories are bass, bluegill, carp, catfish and other. If there is a tie on length, the tiebreaker is weight of the fish. Of the five winners, the kid with the longest fish is crowned the grand champion and receives a bigger trophy than the others along with all the fishing equipment.

During last year's contest, more than 100 fish were caught.

"Last year was a great year for fishing," Hamilton said. "The fish were biting last year. I would venture to say that almost every kid that came last year caught at least one fish."

Hamilton has taken part in the event for the past 15 years and considers himself an avid fisherman.

"This event really hits home with me," Hamilton said. "You put some work in behind the scenes to host the event and when you see a kid, especially when you see the little ones, landing their first fish there's nothing like the expression on their face."

The event is free for children ages 15 and younger, and all participants must be accompanied by an adult as well as bring their own fishing equipment.

On-site registration begins at 8 a.m. with the first lines being thrown at 9 a.m.

"We have it down to a science," Hamilton said. "They will be registered within three minutes."

A DJ will provide music and bait will be offered for sale. Concessions are also available.

The parks and recreation department is also teaming up with the Fox Valley Special Recreation Association for the second year, to offer special needs participants a chance to go fishing.

"They love it," Jennifer James, FVSRA program liaison, said. "They want to go back every time. It's a unique event and it's a fun activity for them to do."

Event though the contest is only open for kids age 15 and younger, the parks and recreation department wanted to provide an opportunity for people in the FVSRA to fish as well.

"For Fox Valley Special Recreation Association we kind of push away the age limit knowing there might be some disabilities involved and allow them to participate simply because we want them to have the same opportunities all the other kids have," Hamilton said.

Five participants between the ages of 25 and 46 will participate in Tuna Kahuna which is the first session of the Gone Fishin' program at the FVSRA.

"I believe they caught a lot of (fish) last year, and they were overwhelmed with how many they caught last year," James said.

It's encouraged that participants bring their own fishing gear, but if they do not have a fishing pole, they can contact the organization to borrow one.

For more information visit southelgin.com and fvsra.org