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Copyright 1999-2003

Learn the answers to frequently asked questions about fish from the experts at NMFS Northeast Fisheries Science Center

"DERBY LOCATOR" HELPS KIDS FIND NEAREST FISHING EVENT

Hooked On Fishing International Announces Web Site Upgrades
To Help Match Young Anglers To Nearby Fishing Opportunities

KETCHUM, OK - April 19, 2002 - Hooked on Fishing International has
announced a newly-designed web site - www.kids-fishing.com -- to go
with its expanded series of Wal-Mart Kids All-American Fishing Derbies.
Among the new features of the web site is a "Derby Locator"
which HOFI says will match up young anglers with approximately 1,500
events. "We're growing so fast we had to find a way to match kids with
events, and the Derby Locator is our matchmaker," said Gordon Holland,
executive director. "Simply go to the website and enter your zip code and
the Derby Locator will search the database of derbies and list the nearest
event, location, the name of the contact person and his or her
phone number," said Holland.

Most of the derbies will be held during National Fishing and
Boating Week June 1-9. Young anglers will gather at fishing
venues across the country, usually in the morning, and with help from their
parents and adult volunteers, participate in casting and fishing
activities. The half-day events are usually followed by food and beverage
for the kids.

Another feature of the revamped web site, Holland said, allows
participants to locate the nearest Wal-Mart store. Wal-Mart,
Inc. is the title sponsor of the popular series in all 50 states. HOFI puts
on the youth fishing derbies with the financial and product help of its
corporate sponsors. Some sponsors put on special events within the derby
format, said Holland. For example, Southwest Airlines sponsors the "I Caught a
Fish" contest. If a contestant catches a fish of any size it qualifies the
young angler for a drawing for four round-trip tickets anywhere Southwest
Airlines flies.

The Fujifilm "Big Fish" Contest is for anglers age 16 and under.
The largest fish by weight caught at each derby, with photo
and application submitted, becomes eligible for state level
competition. The big fish winner from each state receives a
Fujifilm Quick-Snap 2-Pack. From all the state winners, a
national Freshwater Champion and a national Saltwater
Champion are chosen, with each receiving a $500 savings bond
and a Fujifilm "Gift Basket."

In the Frito-Lay/Pepsi/Zebco Casting Contest, participants
simply cast at targets with rods and reels provided by
Zebco. Local prizes vary but every local winner will receive
an award certificate and a reel and rod combo from Zebco.
All participants regardless of casting skills are eligible to enter
the nationwide drawing for a fantastic stock car-styled
Go-Kart provided by Frito-Lay and Pepsi.

Now in its 16th year, Hooked on Fishing International
produces the events with on-site support from local adult
volunteers, many from organizations such as state fish and game
departments, the U.S. Forest Service, parks and recreation
departments, chambers of commerce, YMCAs, Optimists, Lions,
Kiwanis, and Elks.

In addition to title sponsor Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., additional
sponsors include Bar-S Foods, Berkley PowerBait, Dubble Bubble
Bubble Gum, Eagle Claw, EverStart Batteries, FishingWorld.com,
Frito-Lay, Fujifilm U.S.A., Jadico (Laker), Kellogg's, Pepsi,
Pradco Outdoor Brands (Heddon/Rebel), Strike King Lure Co.,
Southwest Airlines, Trilene, and Zebco.

Adult groups interested in organizing a local derby in 2003 can get
information from the HOFI web site - www.kids-fishing.com,
or by requesting information via email at
info@kids-fishing.com, or by writing Hooked On Fishing
International, P O Box 660, Ketchum, OK 74349.

Kid's Derby sponsored by Olathe Bass Club
For many of the 475 kids who came to the 19th Annual Olathe Little Kid's
Fishing Derby, it was the day they had been waiting for since last
year's event. 

The Derby was open to kids 13 and under and adults 60 and
above in the senior division. The Olathe Bass Club, Olathe Community
Sportsman's Club, Olathe Clockwinders Optimists Club, Olathe Area
Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Olathe sponsored the annual
event. The kids all received commemorative T-shirts and goodie-bags when
they registered and 40 plus trophies were awarded following the two hour
tournament. 

First thru seventh places were given to the winners in
little boys, little girls, big boys, and big girls along with biggest
fish and smallest fish. In addition to the trophies, about fifty rod and
reel sets, tackle boxes, stuffed animals, and other gifts, all donated
by various organizations and individuals were given out in a
drawing. Forty-two area sponsors donated $150 or more to make the event
a huge success. These groups were listed on the back of the
T-shirts. 

Following the fishing, a lunch was served with the food
donated by Dillons, chips by Guy's Foods and beverages by Pepsi. Heavy
rain in the area the night before the derby definitely contributed to
the lower than expected turnout according to Derby President Ken
Carter. 

Winners in the fishing derby were determined by total length of all fish
caught. The First Place winners in each category were:
Girls:
0 to 7:  Felicia Carlson  24 fish, 126 total inches
8 to 13: Brittany Pembleton 12 fish, 68.5 inches
Boys:
0 to 7: Brandon Raley  21 fish, 98.25 inches
8 to 13: Jake Regintz 31 fish, 142 inches
Senior: Elden Mehl 7 fish, 93.25 inches
Longest Fish: Paige Gibson, 26.0 inch carp
Shortest Fish: Laura Cates, 1.5 inch green sunfish

Thanks to Matt King, Brad Burns and Nic Cook for helping with the set-up
and fish measuring. Wayne Philipp is the President-Elect of the Board of
Directors of the Fishing Derby. His wife Patsy and son Norm also helped
with measuring and photos.