Alexandria area fishing contest opens this weekend

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Fish, fish and more fish!

Those who love fishing said they wanted to see more photos - and we listened!

We've added an entirely new publication called Just Fish, which will be just that - fish, fish and more fish. Published twice a month, Just Fish will feature photos and information on the biggest catches from area lakes, as well as our own Alexandria area fishing contest. Monthly big fish will also be featured in the Vacationer magazine. The first issue of Just Fish will be on select stands May 25.

This year's fishing contest has expanded to include lakes in both Douglas and Pope counties and will run from the opening of the walleye and northern season on May 12 and will end after Labor Day weekend.

Here's what you'll need to know about this year's fishing contest:

At the end of the summer, the largest fish in six different categories in both the Junior and Senior Divisions will receive a Just Fish fishing contest T-shirt and "season winner" certificate.

There are two divisions: a junior division for those ages 16 and younger, and a senior division for those ages 17 and older. Each division has six categories - walleye, northern, crappie, sunfish, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass.

Anglers can enter their fish at Christopherson's Bait in Alexandria or Koep's Bait and Tackle in Glenwood. Entry forms will be available in both places and must be filled out completely and clearly or it will not qualify.

Anglers must include their name, address, phone number, date the fish was caught, species of fish, size of fish, type of bait used, depth of water and name of the lake where the fish was caught.

Don't want to give away your secret spot? Send us your photo anyway. We will run it if space allows, but it won't be entered in the contest.

Fish entered in the contest must come from lakes inside or immediately bordering Douglas and Pope counties. The Just Fish_fishing contest encourages catch and release.

Tags: alexandria sports, area sports, sports, fishing, contest