Special to The Enterprise

There was a record turn-out for the Mercedes Lions Club’s Canal Fishing Contest held April 27,  2024. Eighty-two adults and seventy youth tried their hand at catching a prize winner in the canal.  In the adult division the heaviest fish was caught by Felix Lara, a whopping 13.91 lb. catfish.  Second prize went to Raul Reyna and third prize was won by Lino Ramos. The prize for longest fish  went to Juan Rodriguez, followed by Ray Mascorro in second place and Dean Mariscal. The Most  Unusual first prize was won by Joe Martinez with a needle nose gar followed by Kristy Trevino with a  carp.  

In the Youth Division the heaviest fish was caught by Gael Cavazos in first place for a 3.5 lb. catfish  followed by Elma Martinez in second place and Isaac Guillen in third place. Nevaeh Gonzalez’s  181/2-inch catfish placed first in longest fish while Adam Cabrera placed second. Third place was  a tie between Adam Cabrera and Elaney Martinez. The most unusual category had Oscar Lozano  placing first with a striped bass and Dylan Solis placing second with a turtle.  

Commissioner Joe Martinez supported the Mercedes Lions Club and the youth by paying the entry  fee for each youth contestant and giving them a fishing rod and reel, tackle box & bait. 

The first 20  youth contestants also received a certificate for a free haircut from Advanced Barber College.  

Sponsors for the Tournament were Rio Bank, Texas National Bank, Barry Jones, Attorney-at-Law,  Mid Valley Publishing/Mercedes Enterprise, JPO Enterprises/ E-Z Clean Carwash, J&M Hydraulics, Valley Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Kaizen Clinical Partners, Insurance Services International. and Mercedes Dairy Queen.  

At the conclusion of the fishing contest, a drawing was held for the winners in the Chupacabra Egg  RaAle. Hector Rendon of San Benito was the winner of the grand prize, a pair of Horsepower or  Macie Bean boots donated by Rios of Mercedes. Fifty-two other prizes were drawn from generous  donors: H.E.B, Cortino’s Restaurant, Blue Onion, Chilis, Longhorn Steakhouse, Angelic Touch, Fancy  Nails, Bill Bunton Auto Supply, Borderland Hardware, Wendy’s, Chick-fil-A, Sonic Crush, Mercedes  Enterprise, Martha’s Beauty Shop, Farmer Mac’s Kettle Corn, El Fenix Café, Sackks Flower Shop, E-Z  Clean Carwash, Bass Pro, Leo & Belinda Villarreal, Valley Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, and Los Comales  Restaurant.  

Mercedes Lions Club would also like to thank Hidalgo & Cameron Counties Water District #9 for the use  of the canal and for mowing the area and the City of Mercedes for the cleaning of the area, and the  presence of police and ambulance service. Aurelio Garcia, Leo Villarreal and Rivera’s Machinery Inc for  Sponsoring the hotdogs, chips & drinks for the event & RGO Pro Graphix for our Sponsor’s Banner. A  special thanks goes to Lou Powell for serving as judge again this year, and The Mercedes Enterprise for  the publicity of the event. 

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