Participants in the Earlville Conservation Club's 6th annual Youth Fishing Derby. This year's derby brought in a total of 21 youth fisherman ranging in age from three to 16, and a total of 37 fish. (Submitted photo)

MADISON — Labor Day Sunday, September 4 brought 21 youth fishermen ranging in age from three to 16, and a total of 37 fish (catch and release) with a total length of 214 inches, or 17 feet 8 inches.

The fishermen tempted the fish from the shores of Madison Lake for two hours, ending with a celebratory lunch for all. Maranda Schmidt returned to fish and to capture the Master Fisherman title once again. She caught a total of six fish measuring a total of 34 inches.

Maranda once again led the nine to 12 year old age group. Alyssa Lessels dominated the 13 to 16 age group, reeling in a total of 15.5 inches of fish from just two fish! Deanna Fitch led the five to eight age group in total inches, reeling in a total of 26 inches, one being the largest fish of the day, a nice 11-inch bass!

Garrett Nelson tied Deana with both catching three fish. Her brother, Clayton Fitch, led the five and under age group snagging an eight-inch fish. Merritt Staring tied Clayton by catching one fish, too. There was a three-way tie for the second largest fish: Maranda Schmidt, Eric Buell (9 to 12) and Alyssa Lessels (13 to 16), each caught a 10-inch fish.

Thank you to the other participants who came out and enjoyed the fishing derby: Kinsey Nelson, Harper Doustout, Vinny Urben, Tyler Lessels, Jack Bohnert, Jay Tackabury, Jared Konst, Ethan Konst, Reagan Collins, Ty Erickson, Gage Erickson, Gavin Crandall, Andilynn Staring, and Case Staring.

The Earlville Conservation Club’s 6th Annual Youth Fishing Derby was planned, organized, and run by Earlville Conservation Club members. All youth fishermen were honored with prizes generously donated by the Leland Pond Bait Stop in Madison. The club is grateful to the Bait Shop and volunteers for their support and generous donations.

-Information provided by the Earlville Conservation Club