The Neepawa Wildlife Association's (NWA) youth recreational fish team has made a splash in its first year of competition. Made up of six youth under the age of 16, the NWA team finished second in the competition behind the defending champions from Russell. The standings were determined based on a points system of fish caught, member participation, as well as individual and team achievements. The Recreational Fishing League ran for six weeks, with the top five weeks' scores counting towards competition. The teams fished for a two-hour period each week. Neepawa had its highest weekly total in Week 1 where it score 6,149 points; the second-most in a single week the whole year. Neepawa's team fished at Lockport, Kerr's Lake and the Whitemud River. “We were really happy with how our team members did this season and with the participation level,” NWA president Mike Krutkewich said. “It was great to see them take second place overall and it was a way for the kids to get out and fish together. We had a great time.” Over the six weeks, the team combined to catch 107 fish including Freshwater Drum, Northern Pike, Perch, Bull Head, Sucker, Channel Catfish, Carp and Walleye. “There were also seven fish that were big enough for a Master Angler Award,” Krutkewich pointed out, adding species included Freshwater Drum, Bull Head and Sucker. “These were all the first time the kids had caught a trophy fish for an award.” The NWA put on the event in conjunction with the Maintoba Wildlife Association. Other events planned this year for Neepawa-based group include having a big buck night after the hunting season – no date is set as of yet – and selling raffle tickets for a new fish shack built by NWA members to support the Lake Irwin projects. The group is also considering holding a winter fish derby at Lake Irwin in the winter time. Anyone interested in these events or in becoming a member with the NWA can contact Mike by calling 476-3256 or emailing mkrutkew@mymts.net.