It was a 30 ½ inch, 12.76 pound fish that won Diamond Lake's first ever Carp Fest. Lucky fisherman Pedro Moreno of Mundelein reeled it in early Saturday morning along a load of other carp garnering him two awards; biggest carp and most carp at the free two-day event held last weekend. Mundelein Park & Recreation District, along with the Diamond Lake Preservation Alliance plans to hold Carp Fest again next year.

"We wanted to get as many carp out of the lake as possible since they are an invasive species causing the lake harm," says Margaret Resnick, Mundelein Park & Recreation District's Executive Director and member of the Alliance. "Holding a Carp Fest competition is not only fun but beneficial to the lake."

Award for the smallest fish went to Erik Escobar of Mundelein. Prizes were donated by Bass Pro Shop, Gale Street Inn, Dover Straits, Country Corner and Ahlstrand Marine. Mundelein resident Gary Love handcrafted and donated a beautiful plaque that was presented to Moreno for his catch of biggest carp. The Alliance is hoping the fish tales will spread, and the word will get out attracting more participants and inspiring some fun fishing memories next year.

This item was posted by a community contributor. To read more about community contributors, click here.