Today at the Delaware State Fair, as part of the annual awards ceremony with the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Governor Ruth Ann Minner honored the state’s top young anglers as the winners of the 2006 Youth Fishing Tournament.New Castle County winner Dale Markum, 10, of Middletown, was also the statewide winner after catching a whopping 26.8 pounds of fish at Lums Pond, where catches of the day included carp, large mouth bass, sunfish and pumpkinseed. As first place winner, Dale received a new fishing rod and tackle box along with a savings bond for his outstanding angling.Kent County winner Cory Deason, 13, of Harrington, took second place statewide with catches totaling 4.24 pounds out of Wyoming Pond, where anglers can find sunfish, carp, bass and white and yellow perch. Cory received a new fishing rod and tackle box.Sussex County winner Hunter Lied, 7, of Millsboro, won third place statewide with catches totaling 3.14 pounds out of Ingrams Pond, where anglers can cast a line for yellow perch, blue gill and bass. Hunter received a new fishing rod and tackle box.The 20th annual tournament was held June 10 as part of National Fishing Week at Ingrams Pond in Millsboro, Wyoming Pond in Town Park, Wyoming, and at the Lums Pond State Park dog training area in Bear. The event is open to ages 4 to 15, with prizes awarded in three age groups: 4 to 7, 8 to 11 and 12 to 15.“This year, it was great to see over 200 kids participate in the tournament. This is a great recreational program for all ages, getting parents and their kids out together to enjoy the great sport of fishing in Delaware,” said Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Chief James Graybeal, adding, “Fish and Wildlife agents go above and beyond the call of duty visiting vendors all over the state asking for prize donations so each kid will receive a prize.”The Youth Fishing Tournament was established in 1986 to introduce youth to the sport of fishing and to teach the catch and release approach to conservation. For more information about the tournament, call 302-739-9913 or visit www.fw.delaware.gov/Info/YouthFishing.htm.
