June 12, 2014

Ninety-percent of youth caught fish during the one-day tournament

GLEN ELDER – Despite 20 mph winds, seasonally-cool temperatures, and storms that loomed on the horizon, 125 youth reeled in fish during the 10th Annual Glen Elder Youth Fishing Tournament at Waconda Lake on June 7. Hosted by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) and the Waconda Lake Association, the five-hour event allowed 139 youth to experience a challenging, but fun-filled day of fishing.

“The fishing was much better this year compared to last year’s cold and very windy conditions, and most anglers were able to bring in a few fish with drum, white bass, and walleye leading the way,” said tournament director and KDWPT district fisheries biologist Scott Waters.

Local volunteers provided 43 boats and ninety percent of the young anglers caught at least one fish, including 236 drum, 125 white bass, 107 walleye, 82 channel catfish, 56 wipers, 10 crappie, 1 largemouth bass, and 1 flathead catfish.

Participants competed for awards in categories such as most fish caught, the biggest fish caught for a given species, and the smallest fish caught. The 2014 tournament winners from each category are as follows:

MOST FISH

• Jaxson Heenan (Lucas), 23 total caught

BIGGEST FISH

• Walleye: Brody Widrig (Beloit), 23.5 inches                       
• Crappie: Bryanna Kuehn (Beloit), 14.5 inches                       
• Channel Catfish: Grant Arasmith (Jewell), 27 inches                       
• White Bass: Payton Hake (Cawker City), 15.5 inches
• Wiper: Michael Boyle (Beloit), 25.5 inches           
• Largemouth Bass: Evan Blue (Beloit), 12 inches
• Drum: Nicholas Racette (Natoma), 22 inches

SMALLEST FISH

• Mykayla Valdepena (Beloit), 6.5 inches (walleye)

“We would like to extend a very special thank-you to all of the boat drivers and volunteers who provided their time and equipment on Saturday, the Waconda Lake Association for providing lunch and helping cover the cost of t-shirts, and Wayne Miner who donated 150 dozen nightcrawlers,” said Waters. “We also want to thank the 80 sponsors who donated nearly $4,000 in prizes. Because of their generosity, each youth was able to take home a Berkley tackle bag, t-shirt, goodie bag of tackle and gift certificates, and other prizes. Lastly, a special thanks to Connor Chance and the staff of the Glen Elder area office for assisting with the event.”

To find out how to fish in next year’s event on June 6, contact Waters at (785) 545-3345.

-30-

Back to 6-12-14 News