This article was posted in SoundOff on May 3, 2018 by Lisa Rhodes.
More than 50 families cast their lines Saturday morning on the banks of Burba Lake for sunfish, rainbow trout and largemouth bass during Fort Meade’s Spring Youth Fishing Rodeo.
The free, five-hour event was co- sponsored by the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation and the Meade Rod & Gun Club
“It was a great event and well attended by our family members,” said Garrison Commander Col. Tom Rickard, who met with families at Burba Lake. “We are fortunate to have wonderful outdoor events available at Fort Meade.”
More than 90 children competed in the fishing rodeo, which has also been held in the fall.
“This activity is important in creating memories with our children that are meaningful, bonding memories for our legacy that money can’t buy,” said Charisma Wooten, executive board member for the club and event planner.
“In this day of electronic device distractions, it is so important.”
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources stocked Burba Lake with fish in preparation for the competition.
A limited number of fishing gear and bait was available to participants.
During the event, representatives of Blue Star Families distributed books to the youngsters.
Ribbons were awarded for the largest fish in each age category: 3 to 6; 7 to 11; and 12 to 15. All the young fishermen got to keep their catch.
The top prize went to 11-year-old Ethan Lasiter of Potomac Place, who caught the largest fish of the day — a golden rainbow trout, weighing 9.5 pounds. Ethan won first place for his age category and for the largest fish overall.
Category for ages 12-15:
- First place: Emma Tucker: Largemouth bass, 420 grams
- Second place: Canaan Voorhees: Largemouth bass, 250 grams
- Third place: Khalil Mayes: Black crappie, 155 grams
Category for ages 7-11:
- First place: Ethan Lasiter: Rainbow trout, 9.5 pounds
- Second place: Logan Dutra: Largemouth bass, 580 grams
- Third place: Preston Mathis: Rainbow trout, 430 grams
Category for ages 3-6:
- First place: Alora Clarno: Largemouth bass, 515 grams
- Second place: Christie Meineke: Rainbow trout, 330 grams
- Third place: (TIE) Danvor Williams: Largemouth bass, 260 grams
- Third place: Yujin Demerin: Su