5th Annual CIFFI Lake Berryessa Family Fun Derby Provide Fish And Fun For All   By: Cal Kellogg June 27, 2007 More Articles by Cal

Avid kokanee and trout anglers descended on Lake Berryessa's Markley Cove Marina on Saturday, June 9 to take part in the CIFFI's Family Fun Fishing Derby and they could not have asked for a better day on the water!

"Lake Berryessa is a shining jewel in the cooperative effort between CIFFI and the California DFG. The addition of kokanee to the lake has certainly made it a destination for kokanee anglers up and down the state.  High catch rates of kokanee with most in the 15 to 16 inch range made for an exciting day of fishing for all the anglers involved in the derby," related CIFFI Secretary Garry Erck.

I have to agree with Erck. While speaking with anglers at the weigh in area, I saw some good trout and kings, but the overall quality of the kokanee really stood out. The 'kokes were bright clean fish with impressive girth, sure to provide outstanding table fare.

After weighing in their fish, derby participants headed up to the CIFFI tent for lunch. Buckhorn Catering provided a fantastic meal including BBQ tri-tip, chicken, grilled vegetables and mashed potatoes.  After the enjoyable meal, many participants took part in the prize raffle in which more than $4500 worth of gear and prizes was up for grabs.

In the adult kokanee division, Tony Moffet took the top prize of $500. Bob Bognaes took $300 for second and John Zeeman won the $200 third place prize. Don Nevis, James Franco, Vickie Noonan, Jack Pinch, Jason Tidwell, Earl Kynard and Gary Ballerini filled out the top ten.

Khanh Tran took the top spot in the adult trout division while Dominic Caruso, Bob Thorson, Jim Francis and Wes Carpenter finished second through fifth.

In the youth kokanee division Connie Tran took first, Megan Mathias second, Spencer Delay third, Brian Nevis fourth and Jenna Smith ended up in fifth.

Tony Moffit earned another $430 for boating the largest kokanee, while Mike Tripp won a cool $450 for the largest king.

The $670 blind bogey prize went home with Tom Hill.