BEATRICE, Nebraska -- On Saturday, May 18, 2024, the Lower Big Blue NRD, and Swan 5 Advisory Council hosted the 22nd Annual Free Family Fishing Day and Youth Fishing & Casting Derby at the Willard L. Meyer Recreation Area near Tobias. The day consisted of a Youth Fishing Derby, Casting Contest, Nebraska Game & Parks Fishery Display, Saline County Pheasants Forever T-shirt giveaway, and a free hot-dog lunch.

More than 100 kids ages 1-18 enjoyed a beautiful day at the lake participating in the Youth Fishing Derby. Awards were presented to four age groups for the Most Fish Caught, Biggest Fish Caught, Smallest Fish Caught, and for the Casting Contest.

The top award winners in each age group were:
Ages 5 and Under
Casting
(1) Klancy Kunc, Wilber
(2) Harrison Pribyl, Beatrice
(3) Lucas Smith, Wilber
Biggest Fish
Luca Staehr, Bradshaw
Smallest Fish
Brixton Jansky, Tobias

Ages 6-9
Casting
(1) Janessa George, Western
(2) Charley Schoenbeck, Western
(3) Stryker Godown, Geneva
Most Fish
Bentley Poling, Beatrice
Biggest Fish
Claire Pribyl, Beatrice
Smallest Fish
William George, Western

Ages 10-12
Casting
(1) Preston George, Western
(2) Brayden Burt, Friend
(3) Miles Maschman, Daykin
Biggest Fish
Brennen Crees, Ceresco
Smallest Fish
Braedyn Poling, Beatrice

Ages 13-18
Casting
(1) Jaylee Sobotka, Tobias
(2) Olivia Schafer, Daykin
(3) Zane Brandt, Plymouth
Most Fish
Will Varilek, Raymond
Biggest Fish
Joel Crees, Ceresco
Smallest Fish
Truitt Stohs, Wilber

Thank you to all the sponsors and volunteers who helped make the day a huge success!

Harrison Pribly, Baxter Thornburg and Klancy Kunc.