Lines cast, skills sharpened at Missouri 4-H State Sportfishing Day

MILLERSBURG, Mo. — Missouri 4-H members from across the state gathered June 13 at Little Dixie Lake in Millersburg for the Missouri 4-H State Sportfishing Day. More than 20 participants from 14 counties took part in a day filled with fishing, learning, competition and conservation.

Participants competed in a fishing derby and skill-a-thon, built their own spinner lures and completed a community service project by picking up trash around the lake, said Marcia Shannon, University of Missouri Extension state 4-H agriculture and natural resources specialist.

Throughout the day, 4-H members demonstrated their knowledge and skills related to aquatic ecology, fishing tackle, casting, fishing regulations and fish and wildlife topics, Shannon said.

The skill-a-thon included several hands-on challenges, including a casting contest, fish tackle identification, naming parts of a fish and “Name That Fish.” These activities allowed participants to showcase their knowledge and apply skills gained through their 4-H experiences.

Derby winners:

• Junior Division: Malachi Nutter, Callaway County, with 465.5 points after catching 12 fish.
• Intermediate Division: Murphy Owens, Clinton County, with 292 points.
• Senior Division: Elijah Nutter, Callaway County, with 290.5 points.

Skill-a-thon winners:

• Junior Division: Hunter Rimert, Callaway County.
• Intermediate Division: Rhett Soder, Cooper County.
• Senior Division: Elijah Nutter, Callaway County.

The overall Missouri 4-H State Sportfishing Day winner was Malachi Nutter of Callaway County. The biggest fish award went to Donald Wray of Lincoln County, who caught an 18-inch channel catfish.

Rowyn Kostman of Clinton County experienced a special moment during the event when she caught her very first fish, and then followed it up by catching an even bigger one. “Moments like these highlight confidence, curiosity and skills built through 4-H experiences,” Shannon said.

4-H Sportfishing SLAM

Missouri 4-H members also participated in the 4-H Sportfishing SLAM contest, a statewide challenge designed to encourage members to expand their fishing knowledge and skills. The contest challenged participants to identify fish species, understand habitat and determine appropriate baits.

Sportfishing SLAM winners:

• Junior Division: Sam VanBooven, Montgomery County.
• Intermediate Division: Avery Loe, Bates County.

The overall Sportfishing SLAM winner was Avery Loe of Bates County, who caught a 63-inch paddlefish from Truman Lake.

Missouri 4-H provides experiences that help young people develop leadership, life skills and confidence to be Beyond Ready for the future.

Programs offered by Missouri 4-H would not be possible without support from our partners. Major support for Missouri 4-H Natural Sciences programs was provided by the Missouri 4-H Foundation. Missouri 4-H extends a special thank you to the Missouri Department of Conservation and American Outdoor Brands, Inc. for their support and sponsorship of the event. Their partnership helps make hands-on learning opportunities like State Sportfishing Day possible.

About Missouri 4-H

Missouri 4-H grows today’s youth and prepares tomorrow’s leaders. With a blend of time-tested traditions and innovative hands-on learning, Missouri youth explore and find their spark in programs ranging from agriculture and conservation to aerospace and career development. Through clubs, programs, camps, in-school and after-school experiences, University of Missouri Extension faculty, staff and thousands of volunteers guide youth in developing essential skills, building confidence and fostering connections. Together, they inspire young people to make a real difference in their communities, their country and the world.

Photos

Avery Loe, from Bates County, with her award winning 63-inch paddlefish from Truman Lake.

Junior Division winner Sam VanBooven, Montgomery County.

4-H volunteers and specialists help the youths make lures.

Rowyn Kostman of Clinton County celebrates catching her first-ever fish.