CARLSBAD: Lagoon to host first celebrity fishing tournament

By North County Times | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 11:14 AM PDT ∞

CARLSBAD ---- Hollywood star gazers who love to fish can have the best of both worlds Saturday when the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation hold its first Celebrity Fishing Tournament.

The event ---- from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday ---- is a fund-raiser for the lagoon foundation and its programs, with additional proceeds going to benefit the United Anglers of Southern California and Hubbs Sea World Research Institute.

The tournament will feature an assortment of TV and film celebrities, who will head out on fishing boats to try their luck in the lagoon.

Participants include Brett Cullen ("Goodwin" on "Lost"); married reality TV stars Christopher Knight and Adrianne Curry (VH1's "My Fair Brady"); "Days of Our Lives" stars Arianne Zuker, Joseph Mascolo and Patrika Darbo; Kyle Lowder of "The Bold and the Beautiful"; Richard Steinmetz of "Passions"; "Justice" from NBC's "American Gladiators"; "Blue Lagoon" star Christopher Atkins; "Joanie Loves Chachi"/"Happy Days" star Erin Moran; Roland Kickinger of "Son of the Beach"; film actor Marc McClure (Jimmy Olsen in four "Superman" films); and "The Amazing Race" season five winners Chip and Kim McCallister.

Local anglers who want to fish on-board with the celebrities (drinks and snacks included) must pay $100 for the privilege.

To fish on dry land from the side of the Outer Lagoon (between Highway 101 and Interstate 5) the fee is $35 in advance or $45 on Saturday.

Children 15 and under will compete for trophies, while anglers 16 and above can vie for $500 cash and other prizes that will be awarded in the categories of the longest bass, halibut and spotfin croaker.

A fishing license is required for anyone over age 16.

Registration begins at 6 a.m. at the Discovery Center, 1580 Cannon Road (east end of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon). Fishing starts at 7 a.m. and ends at 1 p.m.

A lunch at the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Nature Center, catered by St. Tropez, and an awards ceremony will take place from 1 to 4 p.m.

Tournament producer David Mirisch said he's hoping to get about 100 people signed up for the tournament, which he hopes will grow into an annual event.

Awards ceremony, auction and a food and beverage reception for all competitors at The Lagoon Discovery Center. Sample packs of bait will be given to each fisherman.

For information, call (760) 632-7770 or e-mail david@dmirisch.com.

IF YOU GO

What: Celebrity Fishing Tournament

Where: Agua Hedionda Lagoon,1580 Cannon Road

Why: To raise money for the Lagoon Foundation and its programs

Details: Roughly 15 television and film celebrities will participant in the event, which will feature prizes, lunch and a t-shirt.

Cost: Cost is $35 in advance, or $45 on the day of the event. To fish with a celebrity in a boat costs $100.

Information: Call (760) 632-7770 or e-mail david@dmirisch.com.

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