Contact: Jennifer Knotts, Public Affairs Office, phone: (302) 739-9902
or Carol Weyant, Division of Fish and Wildlife, phone: (302) 739-9913

2005 Youth Fishing Awards Presented by Governor Minner at Delaware State Fair/Governor Also Signs Proclamation Declaring National Hunting and Fishing Day

Governor Ruth Ann Minner presented the 2005 Youth Fishing Awards to this year’s winners from each of the state’s three counties at Governor’s Day at the Fair, July 28. Award recipients were John Wilson from New Castle County, Robert Roth from Kent County and Kevin Bailey representing Sussex County.

John Wilson, age 14, from Bear, Del., is the overall state winner. John was able to seize fish with a combined weight of 8.5 pounds. John, as the first place winner, received a trophy, fishing rod, a tackle box and other assorted fishing tackle along with a savings bond for his outstanding efforts.

Robert Roth, age 13, from Dover, Del., is the second place winner. Robert’s catch totaled 3.6 pounds. Robert, as the second place winner, received a fishing rod, a tackle box, assorted fishing tackle and a trophy for his hard work.

Kevin Bailey, age 5, from Georgetown, Del., is the third place winner. Kevin caught 1.4 pounds of fish, which secured his victory in Sussex County. Kevin was honored with a fishing rod, a tackle box, assorted fishing tackle and a trophy for his active involvement.

DNREC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife has been hosting an annual Youth Fishing Tournament since 1986. The tournament was established to introduce youth to the sport of fishing and to teach the ‘catch and release’ approach to fish conservation.

This year’s 19th Annual Tournament took place on June 11, 2005. The tournament was designed for youth ages 4-15. Participants under the age of 12 were accompanied by an adult. The tournament was free to the public and prizes are awarded in three age groups: 4-7; 8-11; and 12-15. The Youth Fishing Tournament is held in each of the three counties, and throughout the past 19 years, the event has grown in popularity and exposed several hundred youth to sport fishing.

Also today at DNREC’s State Fair ceremony, Governor Minner read and signed a proclamation declaring Saturday September 24, 2005 as National Hunting and Fishing Day in Delaware.

The proclamation acknowledges that conserving the state’s natural wildlife resources is and has been one of the most essential obligations we have to future generations. The environmental protection programs sustained and financed by Delaware hunters and anglers have benefited several different wildlife species that all Delawareans can enjoy. Due to the exceptional efforts made through conservation, Saturday September 24, 2005 was proclaimed National Hunting and Fishing Day in Delaware.
 

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