The annual “New Moon Showdown” catfish tournament was held at Miami Whitewater Forest on June 8. The father/son team of Andy and Randy Stilwell from Hamilton won the tournament. They weighed in five catfish that totaled 101.89 pounds! Their biggest was a beautiful blue cat that tipped the scales at 33.44 pounds! They won plaques, $243 in Great Parks of Hamilton County prizes certificates and a $25 Bass Pro Shops gift card.

There are some upcoming events that will give you a good excuse to get on the water! There will be a Bass Series tournament at Miami Whitewater Forest on Saturday, June 15. The entry fee is $60 per team, which includes the boat rental. The tournament runs from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m., and registration begins at 6 a.m. the day of the event.

There are a couple great kids fishing events this month. There will be an Adult/Child fishing tournament at Sharon Woods Lake on Saturday, June 22. It runs from 9 a.m. to noon. Call Sharon Woods Boathouse at 513-769-4326 for details.

The annual Chris Macarthy Kids Fishing Derby will be at the River Hill Pond at Mitchell Memorial Forest on Sunday, June 23. The event runs from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. There is no fee to participate, and the pond will be stocked with channel cats for the derby. Kids ages 12 and under who catch one of 50 tagged fish will win a trophy, and each child who catches any fish will receive a special certificate to commemorate their accomplishment.

There are plenty of opportunities to get involved…and the fish are biting! What are you waiting for?

Neal Ramsey, District Recreation Manager