Lakeside Jr. Anglers Fishing Club is for children ages 5 thru 13 years old. It is designed to teach them to have respect for the environment and to focus their attention on something that is enjoyable, rewarding and peaceful. Fishing is the answer.

This Jr. Angler's Club was started in July 2003 with 15 children. After purchasing poles and tackle boxes we held two classes to teach them how to tie hooks and weights, bait a line and cast. Boy, was it a disaster the first time!!! There were lines going everywhere and knots, knots, knots. The volunteers were patient and encouraging and all went well. We fished the first Saturday of August and September at Huck Fin Lake in Lakeside. At the end of September, we went to Lake Cuyamaca for the Trout Derby and our number of Anglers had grown to 52 children. At the present time there are 75 on the roll.

The staff of Jr. Anglers believes that fishing is one of the great ways to get children involved in a healthy and motivating activity that not only focuses their energy in a peaceful manner but teaches them respect and honor. They are taught the laws and etiquette of fishing which gives them discipline and structure.

We provide all the fishing poles, tackle boxes, bait, shirts, transportation and individual instructions for the Angler's. After each fishing trip we have a raffle of miscellanious tackle of which everyone is a winner. They also participate in a $1 each Jackpot for 1st, 2nd and 3rd largest fish.

We fish on the first Saturday of each month, except when there is a Fishing Derby, which we participate in. We have a "Fish Fry" luncheon for all our sponsors and parents once a year with the Angler's serving the food and drinks.

Our staff ratio is usually 5 Angler's to one Fishing Instructor. There is an equal amount of men and women instructors. All of our staff are volunteers and pay all of their own expenses. They are not allowed to fish on any of the trips, in order to better concentrate on the needs of the children.

The goal of the Lakeside Jr. Angler’s Fishing Club is to inspire a life long love and enjoyment of the sport of fishing. We want to teach the Jr. Angler's by example to be people of respect and honor. It is our desire that all Jr. Angler's choose to become great Fishers of Men.