By Ventura Breeze Staff
The 28th Annual Fish Derby at Cachuma Lake kicked off with a flare at 6 a.m. on April 26 and wrapped up at noon on April 27, drawing 571 registered anglers of all ages. Participants fished through sunshine, rain—and even under rainbows—from boats and shoreline, with many staying the weekend to enjoy camping and family fun.
This beloved event, benefiting the Neal Taylor Nature Center, raised over $38,000 through sponsorships, registrations, and donations, with another $12,000+ in merchandise prizes for raffles and giveaways. A team of 61 volunteers helped coordinate the derby, raffle, and kids’ activities.
The awards ceremony on Sunday, April 27, was hosted by the dynamic father-daughter duo Captain David Bacon and Captain Tiffany Vague, who handed out over $5,000 in cash prizes alongside Alison McCullah, Jeff McDonald, and Julie McDonald.
All proceeds support the Nature Center’s educational programs and exhibits focused on the Cachuma Lake and Santa Ynez River Watershed. Learn more at www.troutderby.org.
