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The Fishing Was Tough at Miami Whitewater Forest on May 16

All, Fishin' Line

Our first fishing event of the weekend at Miami Whitewater Forest was on Saturday, May 15. We held our second Kids’ Mystery Fish Challenge of the year from 9–11 a.m. A total of 25 kids, ages 15 and younger, joined us for a cool and sunny day of fishing. We saw many small panfish caught, mostly bluegill and crappie. These young anglers tested their luck for two hours, hoping that one of the fish that they caught would be closest in weight to the Mystery Weight that was sealed in the envelope.

Kids’ Mystery Fish Challenge

Crosley with their winning trophy at the Kids' Mystery Fish Challenge on May 15, 2021.
Crosley, the winner of the 5 and Under age group of the Kids’ Mystery Fish Challenge.
Mariah with her winning trophy at the Kids' Mystery Fish Challenge on May 15, 2021.
Mariah, the winner of the 6–10 years old age group of the Kids’ Mystery Fish Challenge.
Hayden with his winning trophy at the Kids' Mystery Fish Challenge on May 15, 2021.
Hayden, the winner of the 11–15 years old age group of the Kids’ Mystery Fish Challenge.

At 11 o’clock, all weighing of fish was concluded and it was time for the big reveal. Up first, we had the 5 and Under age group: Mystery Weight = 0.21 lbs., which put Crosley closest with a fish weighing 0.15 lbs. Next, in the 6–10 years old age group: Mystery Weight = 0.26 lbs., which put Mariah closest with a fish weighing 0.12 lbs. And finally, in the 11–15 year old age group: Mystery Weight = 1.64 lbs., which put Hayden closest with a fish weighing 0.24 lbs.

This was yet another successful Kids’ Mystery Fish Challenge and I cannot thank our sponsors, Bass Pro Shops and Wanglers, enough for their continued support and helping us make these events memorable for all of the youngsters!

Bass Series

Then on Sunday, May 16, we hosted another fishing event at Miami Whitewater Forest. This one was the Bass Series! A total of 33 teams were in attendance. All of them with the same goal: To have the most weight in their livewell without exceeding a total of five bass. All of the teams left promptly at 8 a.m. and had six hours to out-fish their competition. It was drizzling off and on early into the tournament, but most of the day was overcast, with the sun peeking through the clouds occasionally.

S. Gardner stands with his 5.18 lbs. catch of the day on May 16, 2021.
Half of the Gardner duo with their 5.18 lbs. catch.
Blake Pincombe and Ronnie Garrett stand with their top four catches of the day on May 16, 2021.
Blake Pincombe and Ronnie Garrett stand with their top four catches.

The Big Bass of the day was caught by the Gardner duo, Shawn and Steve. This whopper of fish tipped the scale for a total of 5.18 lbs., and with that one fish they were able to also secure third place, splitting a total of $325.50 in winnings. Second place went to Blake Pincombe and Ronnie Garrett, who were able to bring four fish to the scale for a total weight of 6.91 lbs., which earned themselves $542.50. It only took three fish to win first place and $759.50 in winnings. Ryan Zwick and Brent Jones had a total weight of 7.78 lbs., taking home the first place title.

Brent Jones and Ryan Zwick stand with their top three catches of the day on May 16, 2021.
The first place winners of the day, Ryan Zwick and Brent Jones pose with their top three fish.

Upcoming Fishing Events

  • May 22: Rod Busting Tournament at Winton Woods*
  • May 31: Kids’ Mystery Fish Challenge at Lake Isabella
  • June 12: Bass Series Tournament at Winton Woods*

*In the event that lake levels are too high at Winton Woods, the tournament will be moved to Miami Whitewater Forest.

You can pre-register for all of these events on our website or an hour before the event on-site. Please note that pre-registration closes for all events 48 hours prior to the start of the event.

—
Anthony Unkrich
Guest Experiences Manager, East Region