COLUMBIA, Mo. – Almost 100 youths participated in the 2020 State 4-H Sportfishing Event, held virtually in June. Missouri 4-H’ers practiced their angling skills at local public fishing areas in a derby to catch the largest fish. They also tested their knowledge of species and tackle identification, aquatic ecosystems, and fish anatomy in the sportfishing “skill-a-thon,” said Maria Calvert, University of Missouri Extension state 4-H agriculture and natural resources science educator.

Derby, junior category (ages 8-10)

• First place – Christopher Boschert, St. Charles County.
• Runner-up – Henry Stark, Cooper County.

Skill-a-thon, junior category

• First place – Luke Manson, Chariton County.
• Runner-up – Trevin Manson, Chariton County.

Derby, intermediate category (ages 11-13)

• First place – Trevor Stegall, St. Francois County.
• Runner-up – Connor Briggs, Franklin County.

Skill-a-thon, intermediate category

• First place – Isaac Hansen, Cole County.
• Runner-up –Kendal Neely, Lawrence County.

Derby, senior category (ages 14-18)

• First place – Cole Rucker – Franklin County.
• Runner-up – Levi Johnson – Grundy County.

Skill-a-thon, senior category

• First place – Ashlyn Ohlms, St. Charles County.
• Runner-up – Levi Johnson, Grundy County.

“As a result of their experiences in 4-H, youths reported they want to learn more about natural resources and see 4-H as a place to gain that knowledge and enjoy natural resource activities,” Calvert said. “They also stated they are able to describe the importance of aquatic ecosystems and identify equipment and techniques used in sportfishing. On a broader level, youths shared they like to learn new things, are willing to work hard on something difficult, set goals for themselves, and show respect for others’ ideas.”

The 2020 State 4-H Sportfishing Event was sponsored by Bass Pro Shops and the Missouri Department of Conservation with support from the Missouri 4-H Foundation.

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 for this release:

https://extension.missouri.edu/media/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/NewsAdmin/Photos/2020/20200723-4Hfish-1.jpg
Levi Johnson of Grundy County placed second in both the derby and skill-a-thon in the senior category at the 2020 State 4-H Sportfishing Event, a virtual event held by Missouri 4-H in June.

https://extension.missouri.edu/media/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/NewsAdmin/Photos/2020/20200723-4Hfish-2.jpg
Benton County 4-H'er Molly Strozewski measures a catfish during the 2020 State 4-H Sportfishing Event, a virtual event held by Missouri 4-H in June.