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   What a perfect day to spend on the peninsula and dock of Hackensack. The sun was perfect; the fish were finally biting in mass. Back to a normal 3 to 1 ratio of fish to kids, with Jacob H. catching the most fish for the 2nd week in a row at 48 fish. And “Fletcher the Fish Catcher” catching the biggest fish of the day at 25 ounces.

   This week marks the halfway point, with the 6th week on July 14th being on Hackensack’s Sweetheart Days. There will be kids games in the park hosted by the Hackensack Legion Auxiliary, and the Parade down First Street that evening. Come and join us for a fantastic day of fun.

   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 Dan Pflugshaupt, REALTOR and owner of Gallery of Homes in Pine River, MN (galleryofhomesmn.com).If you are looking to buy or sell a home, Dan and his realtors are fantastic to work with.

   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

Olivia H. from Blaine, MN took home top honors from the July 7 Children’s Fishing Contest. Photos submitted.

Casting Contest Winner

Fletcher S. of Fort Worth, TX took home top honors in the casting contest.

Minnow Racing Winner

Vivian R. of Minneapolis, MN was last week’s minnow racing champion.

Kids fishing contest ages 0-5

At the Hackensack Kid’s Fishing Contest Tuesday, July 7, 29 kids in the 0-5 year old group, caught and released 46 fish. Wesley D. caught the largest fish (9.0 oz.); Cooper C. reeled in the first fish; Henry V. landed the most fish (9); and Eliza B. hooked the smallest fish (3 1/2 inches).

Kids fishing contest ages 10-15

In the 10-15 year old group, Tuesday, July 7, 33 kids caught and released 166 fish. Logan Q. hooked the largest fish (25 oz.); the first fish was caught by Zach D.; Blake C. caught the most fish (48) and the smallest fish (3 inches) was landed by Jacob H.

Kids fishing contest ages 6-9

On July 7, Hackensack Kid’s Fishing Contest, 41 kids in the 6-9 year old group, caught and released 98 fish. Nora B. caught the largest fish (12 oz.); Rowan K. reeled in the first fish; Alison V. landed the most fish (17); and the smallest fish award went to Lincoln Z. (3 inches).

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