FINALISTLonny Thornburg, 14
Albuquerque, New Mexico Lonny had to undergo a liver transplant when he was only 10 months old. But after overcoming this substantial obstacle, Lonny became a passionate fisherman, taking many trips with his family to fish the flats in Corpus Christi, Texas. He is now in the final stages of becoming a Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout. Lonny caught this 75-pound halibut on a trip to Seward, Alaska, given to him by his father as a reward for his impressive scouting accomplishment.
Salt Water Kids I
FINALISTMadison Vasger, 12
Trevose, Pennsylvania Madison fishes in Delaware Bay and offshore out of Cape May, New Jersey, with her grandfather and father. “This was my first year of striper fishing, and amazingly, I caught two in a row,” she said. “I was so happy, and my dad and my pop-pop were so proud. It was my pop-pop’s boat, and he is an amazing influence on me. He keeps me going. My dad helped me by netting the fish when it got close to the boat. I hope you enjoy fishing as much as I do!” We do, Madison, and thanks for reminding us of what it’s all about.
Salt Water Kids I
FINALISTMichael Dituri Jr., 9
Freeport, New York Michael is an avid fisherman and a budding conservationist – in fact, he recently taught his father, Michael Sr., a valuable conservation lesson. Michael Jr. caught this 32-pound striped bass on Oct. 11, 2010. It was a legal fish, but Michael Jr. wanted to release it, much to his father’s chagrin. “I want the fish to have babies, and next year I will catch one of the babies,” Michael Jr. said. “It broke my heart,” Michael Sr. said, “but it was his fish.” They released the bass.