‘Great Whale Hunt’ on tap at Wilson Lake

Whales in Kansas? No way. Nevertheless, folks in the Russell area call their annual carp derby “The Great Kansas Whale Hunt.”

The fishing tournament is scheduled for Aug. 24-25 at Wilson Lake, 20 miles northeast of Russell.

Festivities include a Saturday night cookout with drawings and door prizes. Awards for each division will be made through 15th place.

For information, call the Russell County Convention & Visitors Bureau at (785) 483-6960.

Chapman wins $8,000

Brent Chapman of Shawnee caught 13 bass that weighed 29 pounds, 10 ounces and finished 10th at the BASS Masters Classic last weekend in Birmingham, Ala. He won $8,000.

Omahans cat champs

Scott Hrbek and Rich Walker, both of Omaha, Neb., teamed to catch six catfish that weighed 47.5 pounds and won the U.S. Catfish Anglers Association Tournament Series last Sunday at Milford Lake. They won $1,970. Jim Berroth and Doug Wenderott, both of Alma, caught the big fish a 31.5-pound blue catfish.

Night tournament

Heartland Catfish Anglers’ Tournament Trail will stage a night tournament next weekend at Milford Lake. For information, call Rick Dykstra at (800) 528-2489.

State official honored

Jerry Hover, parks director for Wildlife and Parks, has been selected by the National Recreation and Parks Association as the recipient of their Distinguished Professional Award.