COLUMBIA, Mo. – The 2021 Missouri 4-H Sportfishing Slam ran March through May with 30 contest entries. The Slam offers nine different categories made up of varying species, habitats and baits. 4-H members are challenged to stretch their knowledge and skills of fishing in Missouri.

Each member participating in the Slam received a certificate; awards were given for those with the largest catch per recognized species.

• Largemouth bass: Kendra Stille, Montgomery County.
• Blue catfish: Sam Strozewski, Benton County.
• Channel catfish: Kendra Stille, Montgomery County.
• Rainbow trout: Kendra Stille, Montgomery County.
• Paddlefish: Claire Wiskirchen, Lewis County.
• Bluegill: Sam Wire, Livingston County.
• Green sunfish: Kendra Stille, Montgomery County.
• Black crappie: Claire Wiskirchen, Lewis County.
• White crappie: Claire Wiskirchen, Lewis County.

More than half of the participants reported an increase in knowledge of species identification, equipment, techniques and fishing terminology as a result of taking part in the contest.

About 4-H

More than 55,000 members strong, Missouri 4-H is an active, dynamic organization of young people who are learning, growing and preparing to be the leaders of today and tomorrow – making a real difference in their community, country and world. 4-H is the youth development program of the University of Missouri and the nation’s Cooperative Extension System. For more information on Missouri 4-H, visit 4h.missouri.edu.

Photos available:

https://extension.missouri.edu/media/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/NewsAdmin/Photos/2021/20210614-4Hfish-1.jpg
Montgomery County 4-H’er Kendra Stille and her 26-inch channel catfish, the Missouri state fish.

https://extension.missouri.edu/media/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/NewsAdmin/Photos/2021/20210614-4Hfish-2.jpg
Lewis County 4-H’er Claire Wiskirchen and her 44-inch paddlefish, the Missouri state aquatic animal.