Missouri 4-H holds first fishing tournament

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri 4-H members recently cast their knowledge of fishing at the first Missouri 4-H Sportfishing Day at Little Dixie Lake near Fulton.

The day was a success and will become an annual event for the 340 4-H members statewide enrolled in sportfishing as a 4-H project, said Gerry Snapp, University of Missouri Extension 4-H specialist.

Through club projects, 4-H’ers from across the state learn about fishing skills and equipment, tackle craft, biology, aquatic ecology, conservation, ethics and regulations.

Members of MU’s bass fishing club and Missouri Department of Conservation staff volunteered their services. Bass Pro Shops provided hats, tackle boxes, equipment, gift cards and goody bags for the event as well as financial support.

Activities included a fishing derby, casting contest, “skill-a-thon” and fish fry.

Winners in the ages 11-13 group in the fishing derby were Logan Tracy, Saline County, first; Parker Wallace, Ralls County, second; Lane Huntsman, Callaway County, third; Blake Forward, Boone County, fourth; and Riley Scott, Callaway County, fifth. Andrew Mink of Clinton County took top honors in the senior group.

Winners in the casting contest for 11-13-year-olds were Lane Huntsman, Callaway County, first; and Jacob Roach, Lafayette County, and Luke Nadler, Callaway County, tied for second. Winners in the 8-10-year-old division were Benjamin Hartman, Callaway County, and Joseph Kallenbach, Boone County, who were tied for first place, and Tyler Rye, Howard County, third. Andrew Mink of Clinton County placed first in the 14-18 age group and Tyler Watson of Adair County placed second.

Winners in the 11-13 age group of the skill-a-thon were Logan Tracy, Saline County, and Branden Powell, Polk County, tied for first; and Mitchell Moon, Moniteau County, third. Winners in the 8-10 age group were Parker Snow, Cass County, first; Tyler Rye, Howard County, second; and Benjamin Hartman, Callaway County, third. Andrew Mink of Clinton County took first place in the senior group and Tyler Watson of Adair County took second.

Overall winners in the 8-10 age group were Benjamin Hartman, Callaway County, first; Tyler Rye, Howard County, second; and Ceresa Noble, Henry County, third. Winners in the intermediate division were Logan Tracy, Saline County, first; Blake Forward, Boone County, second; and Parker Wallace, Ralls County, third. Andrew Mink of Clinton County took top honors in the senior category and Tyler Watson of Adair County placed second.

For more information about Missouri 4-H Sportfishing, go to 4h.missouri.edu/go/projects/sportfishing.