Kids Fishing Derby Big Success in Carlyle!

L-R: Al Crocker of "Fishing & the Outdoors with Al Crocker" radio personality; Rep. Blaine Wilhour; McKendree Head Bass Fishing Coach Jon Rinderer; and Carlyle High School Bass Fishing Coach Ricky Huge.

Thank you to everyone who came out to this year’s fishing derby in Carlye.  We had great weather and a great crowd with some special guests including radio personality Al Crocker of Fishing and the Outdoors with Al Crocker, McKendree University Head Bass Fishing Coach Jon Rinderer, Carlyle High School Bass Fishing Coach Ricky Huge, and Clinton County Board Chairman Brad Knolhoff.

Not only did the kids (and some parents) learn about baiting a hook and reeling in a catch from some real experts and champion fishermen, they also learned about possibly joining the fishing team in high school and the scholarship opportunities at the college level.

Congratulations to Ryder for catching the Biggest Fish this year: a wide mouthed bass weighing 4lbs 12 ounces; and Dru for catching the Most Fish: 41! (mostly blue gill which is the Official Illinois State Fish).

Welcoming the kids and families to the 2024 Fishing Derby at Fish Hatchery Pond in Carlye on June 22. Photo (l-r): Brad Knolhoff of the Clinton County Board, Al Crocker of “Fishing & the Outdoors,” and Rep. Blaine Wilhour.

I appreciate the donations of the grilled hotdogs, chips and water from Chairman Knolhoff, the tackle box prize from McKendree Coach Rinderer, a fishing pole prize from Henkel’s Hook & Arrow Bait Shop in Carlyle, and the trophies from Bud’s Minor League in Salem.

For information on my other events and activities around the district like my Traveling Office Hours and signing up for my legislative updates, please check out my website at RepWilhour.com.