Fishing derby another success

The annual kids’ fishing tournament on Rainy Lake near Ranier, Mn. last Saturday was a success.
Sponsored by the Rainy Lake Sportfishing Club, tournament chairman Kim Everson said the derby has averaged about 120 kids over its 15-year existence (there were 122 entered this year).
Kids of all age fished with their families, achieving the goal of the derby–to encourage kids to go fishing. “We just want to get kids fishing and make it a fun experience,” said Everson.
The kids liked the action, too.
“My sauger was really fun . . . I liked reeling them in. That was the funnest part,” said Jake Youso, who won first prize for the biggest sauger (5.5 oz.) in the nine and under division.
Also in that division, Adam Potter had the biggest bass (1.13 pounds), Ben King the biggest crappie (15.5 oz.), Logan Pavleck the biggest perch (six oz.), and Jeff Shermoen the biggest pike (10.1 pounds).
In the 10-15 division, Katie Prettyman had the biggest bass (1.5 pounds), Garrett King the biggest crappie (15.5 oz.), Amanda Baron the biggest perch (7.5 oz.), Mike Cocanour the biggest pike (9.13 pounds), and William Wagness the biggest sauger (1.6 pounds).
Winners received sleeping bags, rod and reel combos, life jackets, and other prizes.
Any walleye caught were released and the names of the anglers went into a draw.