---

   Well, after the rain of last week, we had a very sunny day on the dock. The winds were gusting, but the temps were nice. Unfortunately, the fish were not biting much, except for Blake C. who caught 44 of the 118 fish total today. But spirits were high. Hot dogs were consumed.  And it looked like everyone was having a great time.

   Ed Sass from the St. Cloud area donated 5 rods that he personally custom wrapped (threads around the guides/eyelets). We gave one away last week, but in the rain and the hurry, we did not collect the name of that winner. This week, Ed was at the contest with the grandkids, and was witness to us giving away his creation to Serenity S. from Perry, Oklahoma. We will be giving away one of his rods for the next 3 contests.

   We will host the Hackensack Chapter of the Izaak Walton League again this year on July 21 and 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.

   The hot dog sponsor this week was Share N Care Thrift Store in Hackensack, MN. Stop by for inexpensive shopping, and half-price on the last Friday of the month.

   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

   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].

Grand Prize Winner

Christian R. from Walker took home top honors from the June 30 Children’s Fishing Contest. Photos submitted.

Kids fishing contest ages 0-5

At the Hackensack Kid’s Fishing Contest Tuesday, June 30, 29 kids in the 0-5 year old group, caught and released 9 fish. Lennon S. caught the largest fish (3.6 oz.); Captain T. reeled in the first fish; Henry V. landed the most fish (5); and Rylen D. hooked the smallest fish (4 inches).

Kids fishing contest ages 6-9

On June 30, Hackensack Kid’s Fishing Contest, 39 kids in the 6-9 year old group, caught and released 31 fish. Preston S. caught the largest fish (4.3 oz.); Porter A. reeled in the first fish; Soma V. landed the most fish (9); and the smallest fish award went to Heath B. (3 1/2 inches).

Kids fishing contest ages 10-15

In the 10-15 year old group, Tuesday, June 30, 38 kids caught and released 78 fish. McRea hooked the largest fish (9.8 oz.); the first fish was caught by Finn S.; Blake C. caught the most fish (44) and the smallest fish (3 inches) was landed by Kate B.

Minnow Racing Winner

Van P. of Hackensack was last week’s minnow racing champion.

Casting Contest Winner

Kenneth from Toronto, Canada took home top honors in the casting contest.

Minnow Racing Winner

Serenity S. from Perry, Oklahoma won a custom wrapped fishing rod donated by Ed Sass. For the next three contests, three more lucky winners will be able to take home one of these creations.

---