COLUMBIA, Mo. – 4-H members practiced their angling skills July 24 at the Little Dixie Lake Conservation Area during the University of Missouri Extension 2021 State 4-H Sportfishing Event.

Nearly 20 registered 4-H youths competed to catch the most and largest fish. They also tested their knowledge of species and tackle identification, aquatic ecosystems and fish anatomy in the sportfishing “skill-a-thon,” said state 4-H agriculture and natural resources educator Maria Calvert.

Youths were divided into three categories based on age.

Junior (ages 8-10) derby winners include:

• First place, Isaac Mabary, Polk County.
• Second place, Kason Smith, St. Charles County.
• Third place, Emery Corn, Johnson County.

Junior skill-a-thon winners include:

• First place, Isaac Mabary, Polk County.
• Second place, Kason Smith, St. Charles County.
• Third place, Emery Corn, Johnson County.

These three youths also placed in the top three overall for juniors.

Intermediate (ages 11-13) derby winners:

• First place, Drew Karsten, Lincoln County.
• Second place, Case Rimert, Callaway County.
• Third place, Allisyn Bell, Shannon County.

Intermediate skill-a-thon winners:

• First place, Ty Murphy, Saline County.
• Second place, Drew Karsten, Lincoln County.
• Third place, Case Rimert, Callaway County.

Overall individual intermediate winners:

• First place, Drew Karsten, Lincoln County.
• Second place, Case Rimert, Callaway County.
• Third place, Allisyn Bell, Shannon County.

Senior (ages 14-18) derby winners include:

• First place, Frank Hazelrigg, Boone County.
• Second place, Curtis Dickerson, Polk County.
• Third place, Austin Fiske, Shannon County.

Senior skill-a-thon winners include:

• First place, Frank Hazelrigg, Boone County.
• Second place, Curtis Dickerson, Polk County.
• Third place, Austin Fiske, Shannon County.

These three youths also placed in the top three overall for the senior category.

The 2021 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.

Youths reported that as a result of their experiences in 4-H 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 reported that they are able to describe the importance of aquatic ecosystems, identify characteristics of fish species and follow fishing regulations. On a broader level, youths shared they would like to continue their education in a related area.

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.