HAMPTON, Ill. (June 2, 2017)- Illiniwek Forest Preserve will host the Big Fish fishing contest now through June 30. Three winners from each age group will be awarded prizes.
“We have a prime fishing location here at Illiniwek along the Mississippi River,” says Mike Petersen, superintendent of Illiniwek Forest Preserve. “We want to get families out of the house to spend quality time together in the great outdoors.”
The Big Fish Contest will be split into two age groups: adults ages 16 and over, and children 15 years old and younger. All participants 16 and over must have a valid 2017 Illinois Fishing License. Any fish along the banks of the Mississippi River on Illiniwek grounds are eligible for submission.
“Any species of fish are eligible for submission,” said Petersen. “We’re expecting to see a lot of bluegill, freshwater drum, channel catfish and bass.”
Once caught, all entries must be taken to the park office for submission. Fish will be weighed and measured, and a photo must be taken with the legal angler. Office hours are Monday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Three prize packages will be given away to the first, second and third place winners for both categories.
Adults 16 and over category:
-
$50 Field and Stream gift card and free weekend (two nights) of camping at Illiniwek.
-
Shakespeare Fishing Pole and a 62-piece Tackle Box and one free night of camping at Illiniwek.
-
Free night of camping at Illiniwek and a fishing accessory from Farm and Fleet valued at $10.
Kids 15 and under category:
-
$50 Field and Stream gift card and free weekend (two nights) of camping at Illiniwek
-
Shakespeare Kids Fishing Pole and a 62-piece Tackle Box and one free night of camping at Illiniwek.
-
Free night of camping at Illiniwek and a fishing accessory from Farm and Fleet valued at $10.
Illiniwek Forest Preserve is located at 1201 State Ave, Hampton, IL 61256.
###
About the Rock Island County Forest Preserve District
Illiniwek Forest Preserve is part of the Rock Island County Forest Preserve District.
The mission of the Rock Island County Forest Preserve District is to maintain and acquire lands and facilities in Rock Island County with the intent to restore, conserve and protect the waters, forests and prairies they contain and the goal to create educational and recreational opportunities for the residents of Rock Island County and beyond. The Rock Island County Forest Preserve District is governed by the Forest Preserve Commission. Today the Rock Island County Forest Preserve Commission governs six forest preserve areas totaling 2,529 acres. They include Loud Thunder Forest Preserve, Illiniwek Forest Preserve, Niabi Zoo, Indian Bluff Golf Course and Forest Preserve, Dorrance Park and Martin Conservation Area.
For more information about the Rock Island County Forest Preserve District, visit www.RICFPD.org.
