Dwayne Elifrits, the bait shop concessionaire for Sahoma Lake, hosted a children’s fishing derby for ages 15 and under, Saturday, June 5, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
There were four age categories: six and under, seven to nine, ten to twelve, and thirteen to fifteen. Trophies were awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners, and raffle tickets were being sold for a plethora of prizes. The winners were judged by the total poundage caught.
Hot dogs, chips, oranges, and soft drinks were provided free of charge, as was bait for the young anglers. Music was courtesy of Dwaynes’s twin brother, Dennis Elifrits, who is an amateur DJ. Security was provided by Gordon Mora, bouncer to the stars and artist extraordinaire.
The event, which had 125 participants—including 99 children—was an event set on a scale not previously seen at Sahoma. Dwyane Elifirts said this will be an annual tournament.
The event was made possible by volunteers, generous donors, and sponsors.
Prestige Plumbing donated $200 for worms and minnows. Our Bar in Sand Springs donated $200 for food and drink. There was a collection jar at the bait shop which collected $400. Penelope Idland-$100; Ducks Unlimited-$100; Cass Doubenmier-$100; and Sam’s Club Tulsa-$100.
Sponsors were: Eric Davidson State Farm, Ducks Unlimited, 10KLR Tackle, Shane Thomas, and Preston Reed.
See the winners
All photos by Charles Betzler.
6 and under
1st – Hudson Keith (1.16 lb) 
2nd – Kilian Crawford (4.8 oz) 
3rd – Tydus Swift (4.5 oz)
7-9 years old
1st – Emma Lillig (1.98 oz) 
2nd – Luke Masingale (1 lb 7.8 oz) 
3rd – Tesla January (1 lb 3.5 oz)
10-12 years old
1st – Ty Bently (2 lbs 1 oz) 
2nd – Jessen Cox (1 lb 9 oz) 
3rd – Spencer Elifrits (1 lb 9 oz)
13-15 years old
1st – Jayden Sample (2.7 lbs) 
2nd – Ty Adams (1.83 lbs) 
3rd – John Watkins (1.61 lbs)
Other winners
Maliyah Mason (right) won a rod and reel combo; one of many raffle prizes. 
Aquinas Seward and Jensyn Kinsey both won a guided fishing expedition at Sahoma Lake. 
Faith Day (top left, next to Dwayne Elifrits) won a Kayak. She and members of her family pose for a photo at the Lake Sahoma Kids Fishing Tournament.
