Chambana Sun

Youth from across Illinois recently participated in the statewide 4-H Hooks Us Together Virtual Fishing Crappie Challenge. While competition was the main focus, participants gained much more from the experience.

"When a kid cares about fishing as a young person, it’s a passion that sticks with them for a lifetime," said Curt Sinclair, University of Illinois Extension 4-H youth development specialist. He further elaborated on how this interest evolves into a broader concern for environmental factors necessary for fish to thrive, such as water quality and aquatic ecosystems.

Participants took pictures of their catches' measurements and had the opportunity to enter their catches virtually multiple times. Landon Paul of Wayne County emerged as the winner with a 16" catch. Caleb Wenzel of Saline County secured second place with a 15" catch, while Gage Jurgensen of Knox County came third with a 14.5" catch.

Despite being held virtually, the competition encouraged youth to explore outdoors and learn about the environment through an engaging activity.

The tournament spans from April to June, each month focusing on a different species of fish. The competition will revolve around Largemouth Bass in May and Channel Catfish in June. More information is available on the competition's website.

Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension administered through the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences. It aims to cultivate true leaders by providing guidance, tools, and encouragement for young people to make significant contributions in their communities.

For further information, contact Curt Sinclair at sinclair@illinois.edu or Carissa Nelson at carissa@illinois.edu.