Hansen Dam Derby Hooks 2,000 Anglers

Roger Buckmiller and Lorenzo Garcia usually meet at a physical therapy clinic in Van Nuys, where aide Garcia supervises Buckmiller’s recovery from a shoulder injury. But on Saturday morning, the two men were fishing buddies among the more than 2,000 people trying to hook trout and catfish at the Hansen Dam Aquatic Center.

Buckmiller carefully injected the worms he used for bait with air, rendering the creatures more attractive by making them float.

The 43-year-old Sylmar electrician said: “It’s therapy. I get away from the city.”

Anglers also competed to catch tagged trout as part of the center’s first fishing derby and tournament. Winners received free fishing gear or gift certificates for sports equipment.

Officials released 2,900 pounds of fish into the lake just days before the event.

Participants were limited to 10 catfish and five trout each. The derby was free, but adults were required to have valid state fishing licenses.

Hundreds of enthusiastic anglers were at the center before it opened, said John Vowels, a principal recreation supervisor for the city Department of Recreation and Parks.

When the gates opened, participants hurried to get spots along the oval, nine-acre lake, he said.

“For some of them, it’s the first time they’ve run or jogged in a long time,” said Vowels, laughing.

As soon as the siren signaled the start of the derby, eager anglers cast their rods. They stood shoulder to shoulder around the lake, their tackle boxes lining the shoreline.

Sometimes tempers flared when lines became entangled.

But most people just sipped sodas, munched on sandwiches and patiently waited for fish to tug on their lines.

Buckmiller and Garcia caught a total of seven fish.

It was the first fishing trip for Garcia, 23, of Sylmar. During one effort, his catch got away.

“I reeled it too quick and the line busted,” he said.

Lenton Stephens, 65, of Sylmar sat on an upside-down bucket, awaiting the day’s first bite.

“Like a little kid, I like the excitement of the fish on the line,” he said. “It just gets into your system.”