Kids rule at 2018 No Motor Tournament

2018 No Motor Tournament © The Sportfishing Conservancy

Perfect weather and kid's scholarships add to this year's fishing contest benefiting Carpinteria Salt Marsh restoration.

"We had a record turnout of kids fishing this year's No Motor," said Carpinteria Fishing Club president, Gary Sanchez. "And on top of that we managed to raise funds for the Carpinteria Salt Marsh that suffered so much in last winter's terrible flooding," he added. More than 30 kids joined a like number of adults swarming the beach and paddling kayaks and SUPs. Their efforts led to an array of catch from surf perch to calico bass. Sanchez credited the turnout to a strong local recruitment effort. Marco Farrell, a local Coldwell Banker Realtor, picked up the tab for every kid entered in this year's No Motor Tournament. His "fishing scholarships" helped get the kids out for an awesome day on the water. The weather and (high) tide may have contributed to attendance, but the sun has always shined on this annual event. While not a record, with some 60 plus participating on the water and more at the awards ceremony afterwards, the 10th annual "No Motor" should push its total donation to the Santa Barbara County Trust for Public Land over the $10,000 mark. Bruce Reitherman, the Land Trust's in house salt marsh expert was present to add encouragement to the audience and thank the anglers for their support. A check presentation ceremony to the Land Trust has also become an annual event and is in the scheduling phase. It usually takes a couple of weeks to sort out details and make sure everyone can make it. As in the past, all Tournament volunteers and participants are welcome to attend and get a mini Marsh tour along the way.

Special thanks goes out to Gary Sanchez, Whitney Uyeda and Marco Farrell for their efforts. Volunteers who helped kids on the beach included Marco Sanchez, Joe Granada, Chris Jaimes, John Kiezer, Ann Strain, Patrick Friedman, Kaylan Stedman, Kerry Krueger, Ron Ballanti. I also want to thank the local businesses whose donations helped make this possible – Stardust Sportfishing, Borrellos Restaurant, Los Padres Outfitters. Carpinteria Sports, the Palms Restaurant, Robitailles Candies, Island Brewing Company, Christies Salon, Arrigato Sushi, Paddle Sports Imports, Big Hammer Lures, Hook, Line and Sinker, Strikezone Communications and most importantly, Danny's Deli (awesome tri-tip sandwiches!). Thank you all and please forgive me if I have missed anyone!

We will schedule a Land Trust donation/check presentation (in the Land Trust portion of the Marsh) in the next couple of weeks as soon as the dust settles.

Everyone is invited - for further information: .