Niemerg’s Fishing Derby Big Success for Kids

July 28, 2023
Rep. Adam Niemerg with the winners of the fishing derby at Sam Parr Lake.

State Rep. Adam Niemerg hosted a fishing derby at Sam Parr State Fish & Wildlife Area with nearly 75 participants, parents, and volunteers enjoying the event. The event was held at the White Oak Shelter with a water and boating safety presentation by Officer Blake Mills and a presentation on baiting a hook and casting techniques by Coach Chris Bradley members of the Newton Community High School Bass Team (the Newton Eagle Anglers).

Rep. Adam Niemerg with Coach Chris Bradley and six of the members of the Newton Community High School Bass Team (The Eagle Anglers).

“I am very pleased with the interest and participation in our first fishing derby,” said Rep. Niemerg. “A big thank you to Officer Blake Mills for his presentation on water and boating safety for all of the kids and participants. The help from Coach Bradley and the Newton Community High School Bass Team was a great part of the morning for all of the kids who came out to fish for the first time. I appreciate all of their help in making this event such a great success.”

Participants were ages 4 to 15 and were accompanied by an adult. The winner of the biggest fish received a nice new fishing pole and other participants received fishing poles and gift certificates to the local Dairy Queen. Participants came from around the district with one participant visiting his family on vacation from Texas.

IDNR Officer Mills presents a water & boat safety session before the kids begin their fishing derby at Sam Parr Lake.
Rep. Adam Niemerg with the first winner of the biggest fish caught at the first Fishing Derby at Sam Parr Lake.
A Fishing Derby participant who just may have caught the biggest fish of the morning!
Newton Eagles Anglers Coach Chris Bradley shows a new “fisher girl” how to weigh a catch.
Newton Community High School Bass Team members assisted young “fishers” on baiting, casting, and reeling in a catch.
Patents and grandparents also joined in the fun for the first Fishing Derby for kids.
Rep. Adam Niemerg and Coach Chris Bradley help the young ones learn how to enjoy the sport of fishing.
One of the Fishing Derby participants discovers his own style of casting the line to reach longer distances.
The Fishing Derby at Sam Parr Lake included families enjoying the outdoors together.
A young Fishing Derby participant showing some patients in working for the biggest catch of the morning.
The young fishermen learned that fish like to hang out around old trees in the water so that may be where “the big one” is hiding this morning.
This fisherman learned that you can fish sitting as well as standing along the bank of the lake.
Sam Parr Lake provided a lot of space for everyone to enjoy the sport of fishing.
The Newton Community High School Bass Team teaches the younger participants about different fish lures, baiting a hook, casting a rod, and reeling in a fish.