Eight-year-old Xander Portaleos had already caught three fish when a 10-inch bluegill tugged on his line at Lake Uihlein on Saturday, Oct. 3.

"I was like 'This is a really big fish!'" Portaleos said. "It's just so much fun and it's a challenge."

Portaleos was among 115 young anglers who participated in the Youth and Teen Fishing Tournament, hosted by the Lakewood Ranch Anglers Club and Lakewood Ranch Community Activities.

The competition, open to children and teenagers ages 5 to 19, took place at Lake Uihlein along Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, as first reported by Madison Bierl of the East County Observer.

Premier Tackle donated more than $4,000 in fishing supplies and gift cards for tournament winners and raffle participants.

Jordan Grabski, manager at Premier Tackle, said his team wanted to support the community and encourage children to spend more time outdoors.

Tournament winners across three age divisions

Riverview's Zachary Vongsyprasom took first place among anglers ages 5 to 9, celebrating the victory with his father, Sammy. Portaleos placed second, while Timothy Oberly and Sophia Portaleos tied for third.

In the 10-to-14 division, Tyler Felicello finished first, followed by Santi Leguizamon in second and Zachary Bennett in third.

David Littleton won the 15-to-19 division, with Maurizio Fornieri finishing second.

The tournament recognized 10 individual winners across the three age divisions, including the third-place tie.

Volunteers help young anglers develop their skills

Lakewood Ranch Anglers Club President Ed Van Stedum said he enjoys sharing his lifelong passion for fishing with younger generations.

Van Stedum, who began fishing at age 5, has cast lines in waters from Alaska and Canada to Florida.

Club member Denis Wyssbrod helped 12-year-old Ayden Dunbar improve his fishing technique during the tournament. Elsewhere along the lake, 10-year-old Olivia Lopez-Pacheco caught a 3.5-inch sunfish.

Families traveled from across the region to participate.

Lakewood Ranch resident Brian Porter brought his children, 8-year-old Jack and 10-year-old Olivia, hoping to pass along a family fishing tradition.

Stacy Chen brought her 12-year-old son, Matthew Lo, so he could learn from experienced Anglers Club members.

Not every participant caught a fish, but the raffle offered another opportunity to take home a prize.

Greenbrook 9-year-old Anna Lum, who frequently goes fishing, finished the tournament without a catch but still received a raffle prize.