The Sportfishing Slam contest was created to challenge all 4-H members to stretch their skills and knowledge surrounding fishing in the State of Missouri. The Sportfishing Slam contest encourages members to learn more about and determine the appropriate fish species, habitat, and bait that will allow for the completion of a slam category (example: 1 Bluegill, 1 Redear, 1 White Crappie, and 1 Black Crappie from the Pan Slam).

All participants must register for the SLAM in 4-H Online. Once registered, you will automatically receive an email containing SLAM details and the link for submitting entries. There is no cost to participate and entries are accepted March 1 – June 1, 2024.

A young boy fishing on the edge of a lake.
 

  • Bass Slam — catch any species or sub-species listed: Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Rock Bass, White Bass, Yellow Bass, Stripped Bass
  • Catfish Slam — catch any species or sub-species listed: Bullhead Catfish, Blue Catfish, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish
  • Game Fish Slam — catch any species or sub-species listed: Largemouth Bass, Trout, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Walleye, Sauger, Pickerel, Shovelnose Sturgeon, Paddlefish
  • Pan Slam — catch any species or sub-species listed: Bluegill Sunfish, Redear Sunfish, Green Sunfish, Longear Sunfish, Black Crappie, White Crappie
  • Lake Slam — catch any species or sub-species from lakes
  • River Slam — catch any species or sub-species from rivers or streams
  • Lure Slam — catch species or sub-species using one type of artificial lure
  • MDC Slam — visit and catch at separate conservation areas
  • Hatchery Slam — visit separate Missouri fish hatcheries
Age division SLAM requirements
SLAM Category Junior (8-10) Intermediate (11-13) Senior (14-18)
Bass 2 species 3 species 4 species
Catfish 2 species 2 species 2 species
Game Fish 2 species 3 species 4 species
Pan 2 species 3 species 4 species
Lake 2 species 3 species 4 species
River 2 species 3 species 4 species
Lure 2 species 3 species 4 species
MDC 2 areas 3 areas 4 areas
Hatchery 2 hatcheries 3 hatcheries 4 hatcheries
  • Members who successfully complete any of the Sportfishing Slam categories and send a completed verification sheet will receive a color certificate recognizing their accomplishment, and will be posted to the Missouri 4-H Website.
  • Members who complete four different categories of slams will be entered into an end of the slam period prize drawing. One drawing per each age division.
  • Members who catch the largest fish per qualifying species submitted will also be entered into the end of slam prize drawing and recognized on the website. All age divisions will be combined for this drawing
  1. The Sportfishing Slam is open to all Missouri 4-H members. Although we encourage participation in the official Missouri 4-H Sportfishing project, we understand that not everyone is able to join Sportfishing due to a variety of reasons. This contest is for anyone that wants to stretch their skills and knowledge of fishing.
  2. Participants must have a verifying parent, guardian, or 4-H volunteer with them at the time of the catch. Since this contest is outside of the Missouri 4-H Sportfishing project, the verifying parent, guardian, or 4-H volunteer also takes responsibility for safety and agree to this in the 4-H Online Registration. Sportfishing project members that want to participate in the Slam may use their certified leader if applicable.
  3. Participants must follow all applicable state fishing regulations and practice good fishing ethics.
  4. Members must take photos of their catches on an official measuring instrument (i.e., ruler or tape measure). Measurements should be shown in inches. Entries without photos will not be accepted. A catch may be used in more than one SLAM category."
  5. All entries must contain a verifying signature by an accompanying adult/witness.
  6. Entries should be made using the link provided in your 4-H Online Sportfishing SLAM event registration or by requesting a paper copy of the submission form.
  7. All entries must be received or postmarked no later than June 1.

2022 Missouri 4-H Sportfishing SLAM results

All participating youth received a certificate acknowledging your completion of one or more SLAM categories. Youth catching the largest fish for a qualifying species also received a small prize.

Species County Name Length (inches)
Largemouth Bass Cooper Audrey Wolfe 18.5
Channel Catfish Jasper Barett Bentley 22
Rainbow Trout Montgomery Kendra Stille 14
Bluegill Stoddard and Polk Jesse Watkins and Isaac Mabary 9
Green Sunfish Polk Isaac Mabary 6
Black Crappie Polk Isaac Mabary 11
White Crappie Stoddard Jesse Watkins 12
Walleye Cooper Audrey Wolfe 19