CASSADAGA — The 26th annual Lew Mead Memorial Youth Fishing Tournament was held on June 25 at the DEC launch.

The Fishing Tournament is sponsored by the Cassadaga Lakes Association. If a fishing tournament’s success is measured by the smiles on the faces of children, then this tournament hit it out of the ballpark.

Registration began at 7:30 in the morning and soon after, the lakes were teeming with young fishers who were out to catch the big one.

CLA volunteers were at the ready to assist the young anglers. Every few minutes, participants came back to have the catches measured and recorded.

At the end of the morning, the winners in the respective age groups were announced, but it was evident by the enthusiasm and excitement that every child was a winner.

Fishing rods were handed out to the runners-up while the winners were awarded fishing poles and kayaks. Sponsors of the event were Linda and Rich Koenig, Walmart, Runnings from Jamestown, The Red House for Youth, Liberty Solutions, The Cassadaga Lakes Association and a large anonymous donor. First place winner in the 7 and under category was Colton Johnson with Matt Burlett coming in second.

First place winner in the 8-10 year old category was Chelsey Johnson with Maxten Burlett coming in second. First place in the 11-13 year category was Owen Knicely with second place awarded to Paige Carson. First place in the 14-16 year old category was Joel Dobrovich. Second place belonged to Ragen Crandell.