Bankhead Youth Fishing Derby Gets Kids Hooked on Fishing

On Saturday, June 3, about 50 children and their families enjoyed a day of fishing and fun at the Bankhead Annual Youth Fishing Derby.  The event, now in its 28^th year, is much anticipated in the local communities surrounding Bankhead National Forest.  The Forest Service pond was stocked with about 500 pounds of catfish for the derby.  Additional fun activities included archery, air soft shooting, casting contests, and interactive educational booths focused on natural resources conservation. 

According to the Bankhead District Ranger Andy Scott, partnerships and community support in local events is important to the success of fishing derbies around the state.  “Getting young people interested in outdoor activities, like fishing and hunting, is critical to conservation.”  The event was held in celebration of National Fishing and Boating Week, National Trails Day and National Get Outdoors Day.  Most every child caught a fish or two, and every child received a t-shirt, water bottle, goodie bag, and door prize thanks to generous donations.  Three children won lifetime freshwater fishing licenses thanks to the Alabama Conservation Enforcement Officers Association.

Sponsors and partners make the event possible.  This year’s hosts, sponsors and partners included the US Forest Service, the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division, the National Wild Turkey Federation, the Alabama Conservation Enforcement Officer’s Association, the Winston County Commission, the Winston County Natural Resources Council, Double Springs Lions Club, Lawrence County Rescue Squad, Alabama Forestry Commission, Alabama Cooperative Extension System and 4H, Wild Alabama and the Department of Energy.

Winners of this year’s casting contest were; Bridger Moore of Haleyville, Kolter Couch of Double Springs and Brooks Kachleman of Florence.  Trophies and prizes for biggest fish were awarded.  The biggest fish overall, measuring at 21 ¼”, was caught by Sophia Garcia of Double Springs.  Winners in the 5-6 year old group included 2^nd place Rylee Young of Town Creek and 1^st place Weston Johnston of Jasper.  In the 7-9 year old group, Brantley Moody took 2^nd place and Ella Moody took first place, both of Double Springs.  In the 10-12 year old group, Fisher Steele of Danville won 2^nd place and Austin Flannagin of Double Springs took 1^st place.