Chambana Sun

Youth from various parts of Illinois participated in the 4-H Hooks Us Together Virtual Fishing Crappie Challenge held in April. The event encouraged young participants to enjoy fishing while fostering a deeper appreciation for the environment.

Curt Sinclair, a youth development specialist with the University of Illinois Extension 4-H, emphasized the long-term benefits of engaging young people in fishing. "When a kid cares about fishing as a young person, it’s a passion that sticks with them for a lifetime," he said. He also noted that this interest often evolves into environmental awareness concerning water quality and aquatic ecosystems.

The competition allowed participants to submit photos of their catches virtually, as many times as they wished. Kayin Hampton from Jefferson County secured first place with a catch measuring 15.5 inches. Matthew Carter from Marion County came second with a 14-inch catch, followed by Easton Barnes from Shelby County with a 13.75-inch catch.

Sinclair highlighted the value of such events beyond just competition: “We hope this competition produces simple moments of joy for these kids,” he remarked. He pointed out the importance of outdoor activities and learning new skills.

The tournament runs from April to June, featuring different fish species each month. May's focus will be on Largemouth Bass, while June will center on Channel Catfish. Additional details are available on the competition's website.

Illinois 4-H is part of the University of Illinois Extension and aims to empower youth through hands-on experiences. Research indicates that participants are more likely to engage positively in their communities and make healthier choices.

For further information, Curt Sinclair can be contacted at sinclair@illinois.edu, and Carissa Nelson at carissa@illinois.edu provides media communications support.