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Grand Prize Winner

Tatum T. from Panora, IA took home top honors from the July 28 Children’s Fishing Contest. Photos submitted.

   Only two weeks left for the 2026 season. This week the weather started overcast and became the muggiest day of the contest season. We had the most kids on a Week 8 this year with 112 youth participating in the contest. All 3 Largest Fish winners caught a bass this week. If you are wanting to start planning for next years season, it will be every Tuesday, June 8, 2027 – August 10, 2027.

Kids fishing contest ages 0-5

At the Hackensack Kid’s Fishing Contest Tuesday, July 28, 32 kids in the 0-5 year old group, caught and released 52 fish. James S. caught the largest fish (11.3 oz.); Luke B. reeled in the first fish; Jordin V. landed the most fish (13); and Katie R. hooked the smallest fish (3 inches).

   Volunteers & Sponsors, mark your calendars for the year end Thank You party on Aug. 11 @ 6 p.m. We serve hamburgers and brats to thank you for all you do for the contest and reminisce about the contest. Come hungry, there is always a lot of food.

Kids fishing contest ages 6-9

On July 28, Hackensack Kid’s Fishing Contest, 46 kids in the 6-9 year old group, caught and released 110 fish. Jackson B. caught the largest fish (18.2 oz.); Nathan T. reeled in the first fish; Ella H. landed the most fish (16); and the smallest fish award went to Charlie R. (3 1/8 inches).

   We will host the Hackensack Chapter of the Izaak Walton League again this year, next date is August 4. They are working with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the ‘Get the Lead Out’ program. They are inviting you to bring any amount of lead tackle and turn it in. In exchange, you will receive a small package of lead-free tackle. The goal is to put less lead into our lakes, and learn why. Our contest has been lead-free (prizes) for 4 years, with special thanks to the MN Pollution Control Agency.

Kids fishing contest ages 10-15

In the 10-15 year old group, Tuesday, July 28, 34 kids caught and released 107 fish. Christian B. hooked the largest fish (24.8 oz.); the first fish was caught by Logan Q.; Charlie E. caught the most fish (42) and the smallest fish (3 1/4 inches) was landed by Baile C.

   The hot dog sponsor this week was Cedar Point Realty of Hackensack (upnorthpropertysearch.com).

Minnow Racing Winner

Alma E. from Pine River, MN was last week’s minnow racing champion.

   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

Izze C. from Backus, MN took home 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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