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Grand Prize Winner

Oliver B. from Shakopee, MN took home top honors from the Aug. 11 Children’s Fishing Contest. Photos submitted.

   It was the last contest of the 2026 season, and the weather was absolutely beautiful. 87 youth arrived and they were ready to catch a load of fish and eat all the hot dogs we could cook. We gave away a bunch of extra prizes and candy. As the coordinator, I really want to thank all the volunteers that give their time each week.  Without them, no amount of planning could pull this off. They are fantastic helpers every year. And a shout of to all our sponsors. Without their donations, we couldn’t produce such a wonderful event, ten times every year. And finally, thank you to all the families that keep coming every year. We love putting on these events and seeing the fun and skill in everyone that participates.

Kids fishing contest ages 0-5

At the Hackensack Kid’s Fishing Contest Tuesday, Aug. 11, 20 kids in the 0-5 year old group, caught and released 29 fish. Connor W. caught the largest fish (4.6 oz.); Nolan T. reeled in the first fish; Jordin V. landed the most fish (7); and Kaleb B. hooked the smallest fish (2 7/8 inches).

   Start planning for next year’s season, it will be every Tuesday, June 8, 2027 – August 10, 2027.

Kids fishing contest ages 6-9

On Aug. 11, Hackensack Kid’s Fishing Contest, 39 kids in the 6-9 year old group, caught and released 69 fish. Soma V. caught the largest fish (9.6 oz.); Jagr D. reeled in the first fish; Juliet W. landed the most fish (15); and the smallest fish award went to Evelyn E. (3 1/4 inches).

   The hot dog sponsor this week was the Hackensack Chamber (hackensackchamber.com).  They put on the incredible events in town such as Sweetheart Days, Chainsaw Event, and Back to Hack. Make sure to check them out online or on Facebook and join us for great times.

Kids fishing contest ages 10-15

In the 10-15 year old group, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 28 kids caught and released 132 fish. Kendra A. hooked the largest fish (8.5 oz.); the first fish was caught by James F.; Beau D. caught the most fish (36) and the smallest fish (3 1/4 inches) was landed by Emmery V.

   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.

Minnow Racing Winner

Oscar D. from St. Louis Park, MN was last week’s minnow racing champion.

   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].

Casting Contest Winner

Caleb B. from Stacey, MN and Andres S. from Shakopee, MN tied for top honors in the casting contest.

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