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Youth events let kids get in on fishing fun

News Photo by Michael Gonzalez Rune Rivard catches a fish on the rocky shore of Bay View Park for the kiddie tournament on Sunday.

ALPENA — Parents took their children out on boats or to the shoreline earlier this week to try and catch the largest fish for the PNC Bank Kiddie Classic.

Fifty five children participated in the tournament, which was held Sunday from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Rune Rivard, an 8-year-old angler, was out with his family on the rocky shore of Bay View Park, attempting to catch a fish.

“I started fishing this year at the beginning of summer when I started catching more and more fish,” Rivard said. “Right now, we’re catching a lot of fish on bobbers. So I’m using a hook and bobber, right now.”

Rune’s mother, Amber Rivard, said the family learned about the event on Facebook and decided to give the tournament a shot.

“We usually spend the weekends fishing and boating anyway,” Amber said. “So this will be his first fishing tournament.”

Three different age groups were each given first, second, and third place trophies for largest fish.

Aiden Aube, the first place winner of the 11-14 year old category, said he’s been in the tournament for about six years.

“It’s my favorite,” Aube said. “It’s just spending time with family, catching fish. Just find the right fishing spot.”

Kids fishing festivities continued during the week with the youth offshore tournament on Wednesday. Team Andrzejewski took top honors with a total weight of 36.9, followed my Team Wirgau (28.25) and Team Gagnon (25.45).

Bridgette Andrzejewski claimed first place in the biggest fish contest with a 14.15-pound catch. Henry Wirgau took second place (12) and Remington Gagnon took third place (9.45).

Tournament fishing during the festival continues this weekend with the eight-day regular tournament continuing today and Sunday. A two-day super tournament will run today and Sunday.

Brown Trout Festival Leaderboard

Brown Trout

Shawn Muszynski 14.1

Brylie Carstens 6.8

David Rensberry 6.8

Tim Wieczorkowski 6.25

Don Harrison 6.05

Salmon

Joe Mellon 28.4

Dylan Orr 26.75

Jonathan Wiecorkowski 24.90

Tyler Rivette 23.15

Boone Tanner 20.8

Lake Trout

Mike Tanner 26.0

Damen McCall 22.85

Pete Doubek 21.65

Ken Dragiewicz 20.65

Kyle Wirgau 18.65

Steelhead

Dave Brege 12.7

Jim Spens 12.1

Don Harrison 10.35

Jason Snyder 10.10

Dan Bouchard 8.60

Walleye

Tyler Auger 8.9

Matt Matuzak 8.0

Kevin Graham 7.4

Don Mischley 6.85

Chris Wade 6.4

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