This group of fishermen fished together, taking home 3rd place in the 9 and under age group.

This youngster brought in his largemouth bass to be measured for the contest.

The event is a family fun day. We are excited to join new fishermen on their discovery of the activity as well as give something fun and free for the families to enjoy.

Coordinating the event with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation helps stock the kid's pond from the hatchery. In addition, biologist John Stahl comes to the derby to measure and educate about the fish that take a bite.

The 15th Annual Youth Fishing Derby was held on Saturday, June 9th at Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge. The derby was held at Bonham Children's Pond using the adjacent outdoor classroom.

Sixty youngsters came out to participate in the derby. Catches were slim with last year's pond improvements and subsequent drought - the fish were small - but parents and kids alike seemed to really enjoy the time together. The poison ivy was successfully removed with the improvements, thus making it a better and more accessible fishing hole for everyone!

The event was cosponsored again by United Supermarket, the Byron State Fish Hatchery, the Alfalfa County Sheriff's Office, the Cherokee Fire Department, the Houston Ecological Services Field Station and a handful of private donors.

Kids arrived and registered, receiving a grab bag of goodies, temporary tattoos, posters, pop and popcorn. Smaller hooks for the newly released fish were available, as well as bait worms. Throughout the event, raffles were drawn and every child won a prize. Additional prizes were given for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place as well as largest fish and smallest fish. Trophies, poles, reels and tackle boxes were received by these "grand prize" fishermen.