You should have seen the one that got away . . .

The Illinois Conservation, Park and Recreation Foundation's statewide fishing tournament heightened public awareness about, and raised funds for, open space and wildlife preservation.

By Greg Meyer

Fun was the order of business at the Illinois Conservation, Park and Recreation Foundation's (ICPRF's) First Annual Statewide Fishing Derby on June 11 in the Illinois Valley area.

Fifty-eight teams tested their skills and luck for $4,500 of prizes in the Pro Sport Division. The Family Division attracted approximately 20 families, while the Kids Fishing Rodeo had several hundred participants.

Team champions

The State Team Fishing Championship, and a $1,500 check, was won by Charles Jordan and Jim Newell of Chillicothe. They weighed in a limit of 15 fish totalling 15 pounds, 11 ounces. Their large bass weighed 2 pounds, 8 ounces, and won them an additional $450.

Second place went to Hector Heredid and Rick Magnuson, who caught 15 fish weighing 13 pounds, three ounces. They received a $2,000 gift certificate from Ranger Boats toward the purchase of a Ranger boat.

The owner of Big Knobs Bait and Tackle, Utica, won third place. His catch weighed 12 pounds, 10 ounces.

Prizes were also awarded to the fourth through eighth place winners.

Tournament rules

Contestants came from as far south as Carbondale and as far north as Algonquin. Each two-person team was allowed to weigh in its 15 largest white bass or hybrid stripers, with a 10-inch minimum for each fish. Thirty-five of the 58 participating teams caught fish, with many of the teams weighing in limits.

This is one that didn't get away at the Kids Fishing Rodeo in LaSalle. (Photo courtesy of the Illinois Department of Conservation.)

(An unexpected surprise occurred when Rich Hildebrand weighed in three walleyes caught on a fly rod. His catch was very close to new State records for fish caught on a fly rod.)

A one-ounce bonus was given for each fish brought to the scales alive. Many fish were returned to the Illinois River unharmed.

Enthusiastic volunteers

Greg Meyer, Homewood-Flossmoor Park District, and Jim DaRosa, Lockport Township Park District, chaired the Pro Division. They were assisted by volunteers from throughout the State and by several fishing manufacturers. Corporate sponsors included Ranger Boats, Piano Tackle Box, Hummingbird Depth Finders and Berkley Trilene Fishing Products.

Participating area stores included Big Knobs Bait and Tackle (Utica), and Vic's Bait and Tackle (LaSalle).

Other coordinators

The tournament's Family Division was chaired by Steve Pohlman, Winnetka Park District, and Randy Reopelle, Rolling Meadows Park District. First,

Illinois Parks and Recreation 24 July/August 1988

The fish were biting, and not many fishermen left the tournament without a nice catch for their efforts. (Photo courtesy of the Illinois Department of Conservation.)

Competitors in the Pro Sport Division at Starved Rock State Park proudly display their catch after the official weigh in. (Photo courtesy of Kay Forest.)

It was a family affair during special tournament competition at Lake DePue. (Photo courtesy of the Illinois Department of Conservation.)

(Photo courtesy of the Illinois Department of Conservation.)

second and third prizes were awarded for five different species of fish. A raffle and a post-tournament cookout were also featured.

Ruth Spayer, LaSalle Park and Recreation Commission, and the Better Fishing Association of Northern Illinois coordinated the Kids Fishing Rodeo. Participation awards and other prizes were given. Youngsters also enjoyed free snacks.

Tournament sponsors

Joining the Foundation in sponsoring the Fishing Derby were the Illinois Department of Conservation (DOC), the LaSalle Park and Recreation Commission, the Peru Recreation Commission, the LaSalle Promotional Advisory Committee, and the Better Fishing Association of Northern Illinois.

Foundation goals

The ICPRF is a not-for-profit organization working in cooperation with governmental agencies, private foundations, corporations and individuals to conserve and preserve open spaces and wildlife in Illinois. It also serves as a liaison between the private sector and public agencies such as the Illinois Association of Park Districts, the Illinois Park and Recreation Association, and the Illinois Department of Conservation.

Its statewide goals are the retention of open space, land acquisition and development, wildlife preservation, conservation, conservation education and research.

Additional information about the Foundation is available at 262 E. Palatine Rd., Palatine, IL 60067. Phone (312) 991-2820.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Greg Meyer is the director of parks and recreation at the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 25 July/August 1988