This year’s fish derby began on April 26th at 6 a.m. and ended at 12 noon on April 27, 2025.
571 contestants of all ages fished Cachuma Lake during the tournament hours and were also able to fish from shore at any time during the Derby including Saturday night. Nature Center volunteer, retired Division Chief Mike Marlow, fired the flare off at 6 a.m. at the harbor to start the Derby on Saturday.
This year’s event was attended by anglers of all ages with 571 registered to fish in the Derby and many others along for a weekend of camping and fun at Cachuma Lake & the Nature Center. This hardy lot of anglers (men, women, boys, and girls) fished in rain, sun, and even under rainbows! Best of all lots of fish were caught in all categories, making for happy anglers.
The Fish Derby is a benefit fundraiser for the Neal Taylor Nature Center which is located at Cachuma Lake and offers programs and exhibits on the history, flora, and fauna of Cachuma Lake and the Santa Ynez River Watershed.
65 volunteers planned and operated the derby, raffle and children’s activities bringing in over $38,000 through sponsorship, donations, and registrations with an additional $12,000+ in merchandise donations for door prizes and raffle prizes.
Awards Program
The Awards program held on Sunday, April 27th at 1 PM was emceed by the amazingly talented father and daughter team of Captain David Bacon & Captain Tiffany Vague. Captain Bacon and Captain Vague did a fantastic job with Alison McCullah, Jeff McDonald, and Julie McDonald on stage to help pass out raffle, door prizes and checks to the cash winners.
Two Very Special Fish Derby Families Remembered
The program got off to a wonderful start with the affectionately named “Hot Dog Hooligans” which included “Hot Dog” Heather’s parents (Dirk & Joy Levens) and friends passing out over 150 warm-in the bun hot dogs to the hot dog lovers in the crowd and “Peanut” Pam & Steve LoGuercio’s family tossing hundreds of bags of peanuts to attendees in celebration and memory of Pam and husband Steve and how much they loved the Derby!
The folks that attend the Derby annually have become like family to the Nature Center. Many of the participants first attended as kids with their parents and now are bringing their kids and in many cases, their kids, and grandkids! It is a fun-filled event for a great cause & the support of the community on such a caring level is a gift!
Beautiful Custom Rod
Later in the program, Captain David Bacon auctioned off his daughter’s high performance, hand wrapped and designed rod that she handcrafted for this event. This year’s design was pirate themed! Tiffany is a skilled fisherwoman and an artist. She has melded these two passions and skills into being one of the top handmade custom rod designers in the world! The rod was hand crafted by Tiffany and made for fresh water and/or ocean fishing. This beautiful rod was auctioned off and the winning bid was made by Thomas Workman of Colfax, California. A special thank you to Captain Tiffany Vague for this generous donation and to Thomas Workman for his generous winning bid.
Fish Derby Winners
The $599 prize for heaviest trout went to Brian McElhiney, age 66 from Oxnard, while the heaviest bass went to Kayla Maher, age 30 from Lompoc. Kelly Holcomb, age 33 from Templeton won the prize for heaviest crappie.
The heaviest catfish and heaviest carp were both won by children! The $300 Heaviest Carp Caught prize went to Bodhi Druckman, age 11 from Goleta. 7 year old Max Diamond of Carpinteria, took home prize for heaviest catfish.
2025 FISH DERBY SPONSORS
The annual fish derby is a fundraising benefit for the Neal Taylor Nature Center, a nonprofit organization, and in cooperation with Cachuma Lake Recreation Area.
Bronze Sponsor
Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians
Mechanics Bank
Schafer Family Foundation – In Memory of Johnny
Royal Coachman
Dr. Bill & Vivien Foran
Stevens & Associates Insurance Agency, Inc
The Filter Factory, Inc
MarBorg Industries
Vague Rods & Mike Lum
Derby Sponsor
Tracy Angel in Memory of Ray Angel
Jerry & Sandi Witcher
Dr. Lowell & Shirley McLellan
Buellton Rotary Club Foundation
Brian & Kris Kittle
Leo & Patti Sandow
Rotary Club of Los Olivos
ExplorUS, Advenco LLC
James & Christine Gaskin
Rincon Broadcasting
Santa Barbara Currents
News Channel ABC, NBC, FOX & TELEMUNDO TV
Thank you to our volunteers and many generous donors!
About the Neal Taylor Nature Center
Neal Taylor Nature Center (NTNC) is located within Cachuma Recreational Area in a picturesque old ranch house. Developed and operated by a corps of committed volunteers, it offers exhibits on the local valley and mountain environment for all ages, emphasizing hands-on exhibits for children of all ages.
Nature Center & Gift Store Hours
Thursday – Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sundays 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Nature Center Admission: Donations Appreciated
