CONTRIBUTED BY ACES
BY JUSTIN MILLER
ALABAMA—
Alabama 4-H is inviting children to make a splash this summer with the 4-H BIGGEST Catch, a virtual fishing competition. The contest will take place May 26 through June 5, and all Alabama youths ages 9 to 18 are welcome to participate.
Emily Nichols, an Alabama Cooperative Extension System natural resources specialist, said this competition is a fun opportunity for children to get outdoors and enjoy the nature around them.
“This is a great opportunity to take part in a little friendly competition,” Nichols said. “No prior experience with 4-H is required to join in on the fun. So, we are hoping to have hundreds of kids participate this year.”
CONTEST RULES
Unlike traditional fishing competitions, the 4-H BIGGEST Catch is completely virtual. This allows youth from across the state to go fishing in their respective areas and enter their catches in the contest.
“What is so neat about this contest is that kids can choose where they go fishing,” Nichols said. “This lets them explore fishing in state-managed county public fishing lakes, state parks, rivers, creeks and even their own ponds. It is a good opportunity to learn about different bodies of water.”
To enter the contest, head out for some fishing in Alabama waters anytime between May 26 and June 5. To be eligible, contestants must catch and land their fish without any help. After making their catch, contestants must include a photograph of the fish with their submission.
“The photograph must include the kid and their fish, the contest code AL4H2023 and the total length [in inches] of the fish,” Nichols said. “Participants can write this information on a piece of paper and hold it up in the photograph, or they can write it on their hand.”
There are four contest categories including bass, sunfish (bream), catfish and crappie. Each contestant is permitted one entry in each category. Submit contest entries online at www.aub.ie/4HBiggestCatch. This portal opens May 26 at 8 a.m. and closes June 5 at 8 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION
Alabama 4-H is a leader in outdoor education in the areas of forestry, wildlife and recreation, such as sportfishing. Several counties across the state have active 4-H sportfishing clubs.
“We are always looking for more participants in our sportfishing program,” Nichols said. “If this is not currently a program offering in your county, you can always reach out to the 4-H agent in your county about starting your own 4-H sportfishing club.”
The 4-H BIGGEST Catch fishing contest is a great chance for young people to make some awesome memories and have fun. For more information about the contest, visit the 4-H BIGGEST Catch web page at www.aces.edu or like and follow the Alabama 4-H Outdoors Facebook page.
ABOUT ALABAMA EXTENSION
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System takes the expertise of Auburn University and Alabama A&M University to the people. Its educators in all 67 counties are community partners — bringing practical ways to better our homes, farms, people and the world around us. Its research extends knowledge and improves lives.