On Saturday, July 24, we held our sixth Kids’ Mystery Fish Challenge. This was the first time that we have ever had this event at Campbell Lakes Preserve and we had 43 kids (and their parents) join us! Campbell Lakes Preserve was a unique place to host this event. There are four different lakes within the park to fish at, although all of our participants chose to stay close to the weigh-in station near the closest lake.

We had some past winners in attendance as well as some new faces. All of them trying their luck and testing their skills for two hours, in hopes of bringing home the big trophy! The morning started off foggy, but once it lifted, the kids really started to catch them. We saw all types of species weighed in, including: largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, freshwater drum and a channel catfish.

At 11 o’clock, it was time to reveal our mystery weights and award some trophies. Up first, we had the 5 and under age group: Mystery Weight = 0.23 lbs., which put Makenzi S. closest with a fish weighing 0.20 lbs. Next, in the 6–10 years old age group: Mystery Weight = 0.28 lbs., which put Benjamin F. closest with a fish weighing 0.22 lbs. And finally, in the 11–15 year old age group: Mystery Weight = 0.77 lbs., which put Brandon G. closest with a fish weighing 0.20 lbs.

Then on Sunday, July 25, we held our fourth Bass Series Tournament at Winton Woods. We had 29 teams enter, which meant every single rowboat and motorboat was in use for the tournament. It was a sunny, hot and humid morning, but that didn’t stop two-thirds of the 29 teams from catching fish.

At 2 o’clock sharp, all of our teams were due back at the dock for final weigh-in. Garry and Tyler Manning were able to walk away with third place and $294 in Great Parks gift cards with their five-fish limit and a total weight of 10.55 lbs. Michael Hess and Garrett Seger not only received second place and $490 in Great Parks’ gift cards for their total weight of 10.72 lbs., they were also awarded Big Bass of the Day for one of their fish weighing 4.33 lbs.! First place and $686 worth of Great Parks’ gift cards were awarded to Jason Stock and Jody Andrzejewski for their five-fish limit, weighing in at 11.10 lbs.

A big thank you to our sponsors who make these events great: Hamilton Bait & Tackle, Wanglers and Bass Pro Shops.

Upcoming Fishing Events

• August 14: Our seventh Kids’ Mystery Fish Challenge at Winton Woods
• August 15: Our fifth Bass Series Tournament at Winton Woods*
• August 20: Our fourth Rod Busting Tournament at Lake Isabella (9 p.m. start time)

*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
East Region Guest Experiences Manager