The 40th annual George Carl Kids’ Fishing Derby is coming up on Sunday, May 3 at Lake Hennessey. The derby is open to all children between the ages of three and 16.

There is no cost to enter the derby, and all participants receive a starter kit of fishing tackle along with a certificate of participation.

Four different categories of fish can be caught — trout, bass, bluegill/crappie, and “anything else that swims.”

Each angler may enter fish in any or all of the categories.

Unlike in past years, the Department of Fish and Game cannot make its special trout stock on the day of the event this year due to the court-ordered ban currently in place.

Lake Hennessey is one of many California waters included on the no-stocking list. But nice numbers of holdover trout are still being caught at the lake, and the warming weather should put the bass and panfish on a good spring bite, too.

Entrants are divided into one of three age groups: 3-7, 8-11, and 12-16 years old.

Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult who carries a California fishing license.

Successful young fisherpersons can take their catches to the official measuring station, which will be set up near the launch ramp. Fish can be measured anytime between 6 a.m. and 12 p.m., when the derby closes.

No entries will be admitted after the noon closing.

“The derby is a great opportunity for parents and children to come out and enjoy an activity together,” said event chairman Jeremy Sill.

“In the down economy we’re all going through, a free event like this doesn’t hurt the pocket book but still provides a fun day for the kids.”

After all entries are recorded, the event crew will tabulate the winners. Trophies will be awarded for the top three fish in each category and age group.

An impressive selection of fabulous prizes also awaits the winners, thanks to generous donations from Sweeney’s Sports.

The organizers would also like to thank Frye’s Printing and Gaw Van Male for their generous support of the derby.

The event is put on by the Active 20-30 Club of Napa, a community service organization dedicated to helping special-needs children.

For more information, visit the club’s Web site at www.napaactive2030.org, or call 253-2030.

Many trout waters

open Saturday

One of California’s biggest trout fishing openers is coming up on Saturday.

Numerous waters opening this weekend are already planted with 8- to 12-inch-long catchable size trout.

DFG will plant roughly nine million rainbow trout state-wide in 2009, providing outstanding angling opportunities.

Many families plan annual camping and fishing trips around the spring opener and the excellent family recreation it provides.

“Last year DFG planted several million fingerling trout which have now grown to catchable size,” said Neil Manji, DFG Fisheries Branch Chief.

“This year, DFG is planting millions of catchable size trout statewide. Thousands are planted prior to the opener as water conditions permit. In waters that we are not planting due to a court order, there are still fish from last year’s plants that anglers can fish for.”

So don’t let the trout stocking ban scare you off.

Plenty of great fishing is in store this spring!

Guy Carl is a CPA and partner with BDCo Accountants and Advisors in St. Helena (www.bdcocpa.com). Contact Guy at GC.outdoors@sbcglobal.net.