Dara Denton fifth in fishing derby; had first catch of derby

Nine-year-old Dara Denton of Fallbrook finished fifth in the Oceanside Harbor Days children’s fishing derby September 29, but she had the distinction of having the first catch of the derby and also had the most fish at one point.

Places in the derby for children 13 and under are determined by the weight of the largest fish caught rather than the number of fish caught. Denton caught three one-ounce sardines to put her in the lead before catches later in the day gave four other fishermen larger catches.

Denton was one of three Bonsall Elementary School students who participated in the fishing derby. Candace Bender, who like Denton is in fourth grade, did not catch any fish. Denton’s sister, Dacy, is in second grade and also did not catch a fish although she hooked a pelican which went after her bait.