The California Striped Bass Association, West Delta Chapter, is preparing for its 21st annual Free Fish Derby for kids ages 3 through 12.

The event, Get Hooked on Fishing, Not Drugs or Gangs, will be held Saturday, Oct. 25 from 9 a.m. to noon at Contra Loma Regional Park in Antioch.

Bait will be provided along with tackle, poles and free lunches for the kids. Adult lunches will also be available.

The event includes an award ceremony for the winners in each of the three age group categories, but whatever their catch, each kid will leave with a prize from the marble draw, plus a goodie bag.

Participating in this year's derby will be Wally Wise Guy from Conta Costa County Community Awareness Emergency Response. Wally's a big turtle that teaches kids how to find shelter in case in an emergency.

If that doesn't catch your attention hook, line and sinker, call Roger Lund at 925-754-3938 or e-mail kids_derby2008@yahoo.com for

more information about the event.