For more than 30 years, the Bethel Island Lions Club has been helping the blind feel and experience the beauty and excitement of the Delta. Earlier this month, more than 40 blind people from the Oakland and Pittsburg Blind Centers were guests of the Bethel Island Lions Club VIP Fishing Trip.

"For me, I never want to miss this event," said Lions Club member Donna Miralda. "This is the most worthwhile thing we do all year long."

Patti Carrasco, of the Oakland Blind Center, agreed. Blinded many years ago in a fight with a classmate in high school, Carrasco promised her grandchildren a fresh fish dinner and was able to deliver. She landed, all on her own, a miraculous 10-pound, 30-inch striped bass while fishing under the guidance of Capt. Barry Sterud, a member of the California Striped Bass Association.

Sterud, an Oakley native, and his wife Sharon have participated VIP fishing trips for about four years.

"This year was great," Sterud said. "The weather was just perfect. We caught some really nice fish, and those who wanted to eat them were able to bring some home. We had a lot of fun. We caught a bunch of really nice catfish, and then, of course, there was the award-winning fish."

Sterud said that it helps to know where the hot spots are on the many miles of Delta waters if you want to catch fish.

"We went to one place and didn't get any bites; moved, went to another spot; didn't get anything and then finally went to one spot and things were happening," Sterud said.

Sterud will share some of the secrets of his success as a guest speaker during the CSBA Fishing Seminar at Scout Hall on Bethel Island from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 12. The Bethel Island Municipal Advisory Council will also be holding a free kids fishing event the same day, featuring free fishing, food and more.