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   What a fantastic turnout for week 1 with 64 youth participating in our contest.  The sun was shining, the humidity was a bit high, but the spirits of the youth were higher. They came out to fish, and they did it very well. The big fish of the day was a 14.1 ounce Bass caught by Paxton.

   The new City/DNR fishing dock was wonderful. It is so strong, we did not even remotely come close to pushing the edges into the water. I guess that is what happens with new floats, new wood, straight frame, etc.

   The hot dog sponsor this week was Birch Lake Association (mybirchlake.org). Thank you for your help cooking and serving hot dogs. And thank you for the work you do to keep our lakes free of Invasive Species.

   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

Liam E. from Dayton, MN took home top honors from the June 9 Children’s Fishing Contest. Photos submitted.

Casting Contest Winner

Soma V. took home top honors in the casting contest.

Minnow Racing Winner

Everleigh M. of Farmington, MN was last week’s minnow racing champion.

Kids fishing contest ages 0-5

At the Hackensack Kid’s Fishing Contest Tuesday, June 9, 16 kids in the 0-5 year old group, caught and released 20 fish. Ayden B. caught the largest fish (5.0 oz.); Bryce B. reeled in the first fish; Everleigh E. landed the most fish (5); and Lola M. hooked the smallest fish (2.5 inches).

Kids fishing contest ages 6-9

On June 9, Hackensack Kid’s Fishing Contest, 25 kids in the 6-9 year old group, caught and released 56 fish. Barret C. caught the largest fish (18 oz.); Bentyn G. reeled in the first fish; Hunter W. landed the most fish (7); and the smallest fish award went to Soma V (3.25 inches).

Kids fishing contest ages 10-15

In the 10-15 year old group, Tuesday, June 9, 23 kids caught and released 55 fish. Paxton G. hooked the largest fish (14.1 oz.); the first fish was caught by Lincoln S.; Levi Z. caught the most fish (17) and the smallest fish (3.125 inches) was landed by Charles E.

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