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Grand Prize Winner

Luna S. of Sunnyville, CA took home top honors from the July 22 Children’s Fishing Contest. Photos submitted.

  This year we feel like we are professional weather watchers – today was no exception. We watched the thunderstorm pass over in the morning. Found a gap in the rain so we could setup for the contest, knowing there was another pocket of rain coming. Finally, with plenty of time to go, the weather cleared and we held the contest with no issues and plenty of participants. That included 2 youth from Switzerland who were able to take home a rod and reel combo for coming the farthest to the contest. We had 2 Casting Contest winners today, happy to give away 2 rod/reels since we didn’t have one last week. Only 3 weeks left, come join us!

Kids fishing contest ages 0-5

At the Hackensack Kid’s Fishing Contest Tuesday, July 22, 19 kids in the 0-5 year old group, caught and released 36 fish. Henry M. caught the largest fish (4.6 oz.); Charlie R. reeled in the first fish; Jasper V. landed the most fish (13); and Katie R. hooked the smallest fish (3.625 inches).

   This year some of the members of the Hackensack Chapter of the Izaak Walton League will be attending the contests on June 24, July 22, and August 12 to raise awareness of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s ‘Get the Lead Out’ program. Please go through your tackle boxes and bring all your lead tackle to them. They will turn it in and in return give you a sample of lead-free tackle.

Kids fishing contest ages 6-9

27 kids in the 6-9 year old group, caught and released 60 fish. Jackson M. caught the largest fish (4.1 oz.); Brody R. reeled in the first fish; Beckham T. landed the most fish (10); and the smallest fish award went to Walker S. (3.625 inches) .

   The hot dog sponsor this week was St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Hackensack, MN. (facebook.com/stpaulshackensak). Thank you for your help cooking and serving hot dogs.

Kids fishing contest ages 10-15

32 kids caught and released 93 fish. Westin V. hooked the largest fish (25 oz.); the first fish was caught by Bentley F., Rawson R. caught the most fish (14) and the smallest fish (2.5 inches) was landed by Charlie E.

   The dates for this year are every Tuesday, June 10 – August 12, 2025 from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Be early to register before it starts. We look forward to seeing everyone that can make it.

Minnow Racing Winner

Ellianna F. from Bullhead City, AZ was last week’s minnow race winner.

   Visit our Facebook page to view the weekly photos. You can search Facebook for “Hackensack Children’s Fishing Contest” and click on the Photo Album link on Facebook. Once on the photos page, you can select Album and go to the week you would like to look at.

Casting Contest Winner

Theo D. from Fairbault, MN and Walker S. from Pequot Lakes, MN shared top honors in the casting contest.

   If you are interested in helping as a volunteer or in sponsoring our contest next year, contact Bill Kennedy at (218) 838-9468 or [email protected].

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