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Grand Prize Winner

Benjamin D. from Hendersonville, NC took home top honors from the July 21 Children’s Fishing Contest. Photos submitted.

   The gusting wind saw the contest without several of its canopies, and no Casting Contest this week. Still, 65 youth were there and caught nearly 4 to 1 fish to kid ratio. We had two different families from North Carolina, but only one could be from the farthest away, winning the farthest away used pole. But, no worries, a youth from the other NC family was our Grand Champion. We also had a tie for most fish in the 6-9 year old group, but with no casting contest set up, we couldn’t do a tie breaker like we normally do, so we just gave them both a prize.

Kids fishing contest ages 0-5

At the Hackensack Kid’s Fishing Contest Tuesday, July 21, 19 kids in the 0-5 year old group, caught and released 25 fish. Luca R. caught the largest fish (2.3 oz.); Gwen M. reeled in the first fish; Jordy E. and Henry V. landed the most fish (5); and Connel T. hooked the smallest fish (3 inches).

   Volunteers & sponsors, mark your calendars for the year end Thank You party on Aug. 11 at 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 21, Hackensack Kid’s Fishing Contest, 2 kids in the 6-9 year old group, caught and released 92 fish. Emily K. caught the largest fish (8.3 oz.); James M. reeled in the first fish; Jasper V. landed the most fish (15); 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 21, 22 kids caught and released 108 fish. Westin V. hooked the largest fish (11.4 oz.); the first fish was caught by Van P.; Andrew H. caught the most fish (14) and the smallest fish (2 7/8 inches) was landed by Rowyn L.

   The hot dog sponsor this week was St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hackensack. They sent a small army of volunteers and were so helping and delightful. (stpaulselcahackensack.org)

Minnow Racing Winner

Van P. from Hackensack 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

   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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