Urbana, IL – Youth from across Illinois headed into the great outdoors to participate in the statewide 4-H Hooks Us Together Virtual Fishing Channel Catfish Challenge in June. This event was the culminating event for the spring contest.
Youth took pictures of the measurements of their catches and were able to enter catches virtually as many times as they wish.
Hunter Stevens of Saline County took first place with a 30 inch catch, Katelyn Clagg of Macoupin County tied for second place with Isaiah Logue of Shelby County, both with a 28 inch catch, and Eli Zimmerman of Tazewell County took third place with a 27 inch catch.
The focus of the tournament is competition but also getting youth out into nature and having fun.
"I think 4-H is fun,” says second place winner Katelyn Clagg of Macoupin County. “I like going fishing with my dad and mom. I like catching all the big fish!"
The 4-H Hooks-Us-Together fishing contest took place April, May, and June as youth from all over the State of Illinois entered pictures and data of their catches of crappie, largemouth bass, and channel catfish during this timeframe and winners were determined by the length of their catch in inches.
About Illinois 4-H: Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension and administered through the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences. 4-H grows true leaders, youth who are empowered for life today and prepared for a career tomorrow. The hands-on approach in 4-H gives young people guidance, tools, and encouragement, and then puts them in the driver’s seat to make great things happen. Independent research confirms the unparalleled impact of the 4-H experience, demonstrating that young people are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.
For Further Information, Contact:
Source: Curt Sinclair University of Illinois Extension 4-H Youth Development Specialist, sinclair@illinois.edu
Writer: Carissa Nelson, Media Communications Manager, 4-H State Office, carissa@illinois.edu
Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities. Illinois Extension is part of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences.