A Kansas angler’s prized catch may actually be worth a prize this spring and summer. The first-ever Great Kansas Fishing Derby will run May 15 to Sept. 15 with at least 500 specially tagged fish located in 40 public water bodies in Kansas, including Veterans Memorial Lake in Great Bend, said Christina Hayes, Convention and Visitors Bureau director and community coordinator. 

“The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks is working with the city to partner,” she said, addressing the City Council Monday night. “There are 15 tagged fish at Vets and so far, only three have been caught.

“So if you’re fishing and you catch one of the prize fish, just know that you’ll have to come here (City Hall at 1209 Williams) and you can turn it turn in your tag number and you can win a prize,” she said, noting anglers shouldn’t bring in the fist. “The state’s telling you to throw it back, which I found interesting.”

The Great Kansas Fishing Derby is sponsored by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Kansas Wildscape Foundation, the Bass Pro-Cabela’s Outdoor Fund and many local retailers across Kansas.

The prizes consist of products and gift cards from retailers, communities and KDWP. In all, the prizes total $15,000.\

Visit beyond.fishing/derby for more information.