Fishing derby held last week a success

MASON CITY – A Mason City Recreation Department fishing derby was held on June 2nd at East Park.

According to persons in attendance, “the event went great, the sun was shining, and everyone was having fun.”

There were approximately 65 participants.

Contests that took place were the biggest fish, most fish, casting contest, and a bobber guess, with 3 different age groups for each contest. The age groups were 10 & Under, 11-16 and 17 & Older. The winners from the contests won a fishing pole from Berkley, as well as fake bait and a rope. Door prizes were also awarded.

The winner for the biggest fish (10 & under) was Cheyenne White (see bottom picture), who caught a 2 lb 4 oz small mouth bass.

Most fish caught winner was Karynna Jones (pictured second from top of page) in the 11-16 age group with 10 fish.

Casting contest winner in the 11-16 years old age group was Joe May.

Winner of the bobber guess 10 & under was Emma Jostrand.

The DNR also held a clinic from noon to 1 PM. They taught kids about the different kinds of fish that you may find in Iowa. “The kids loved the clinic, they seemed to love touching the fish,” a participant said.

Families brought their lawn chairs and enjoyed the beautiful weather. One family even brought their own picnic and enjoyed fishing in East Park (see top photo).

When the contests were over the participants enjoyed a beverage donated by Pepsi, as well as a snack pudding or jello provided by Kraft.

The fishing derby was sponsored by Mason City Parks and Rec, as well a number of businesses in Mason city: Buffalo Wild Wings, Perkins, Las Palmas, Bonanza, Carlos O Kellys, Applebees, Decker, Jimmy Johns, Rib Crib, Kraft, Pepsi, Berkley, The Aquatic Center, as well as the DNR.