KETCHUM, Okla. — Fujifilm has announced the winners of its 2001 Fish, Photograph & Release Photo Contest. First prize went to Allison Kambic, 7 , of New Lenox, Ill; Jordyn Willick, 7, of Ludington, Mich., took second prize; and Leo Azizi, 9, of Ketchikan, Alaska, took third.

According to a press release from Hooked on Fishing International, the winning catch-and-release photo entries were selected for their quality and creativity, as well as the creativity of accompanying short essays on the theme, "Why I Love to Fish and Why Fish Should be Returned to the Water."

U.S. Savings Bonds of $1,000, $500 and $250 will be awarded to Kambic, Willick, and Azizi respectively.

The winning photographs were chosen from entries submitted by young anglers who participated in more than 700 Kids All-American Fishing Derby events nationwide in 2001 or who obtained an entry form from the derby web site, www.kids-fishing.com.

"We congratulate these fine youngsters and all the entrants in this contest," said Cindy Bogan, National Account Manager at Fujifilm. "Fish, Photograph and Release is an innovative way for young people to try their hand at fishing and at the same time learn about preserving the environment."

More than 100,000 youngsters fished in the Kids All-American Fishing Derby events this year. HOFI and its local partners are looking to break that record in 2002 by signing up even more adult groups to organize and staff derbies in their communities. Interested organizations can go online at www.kids-fishing.com and request an application/information form for the 2002 program.

"Any qualified organization with an interest in helping youth may participate," said Gordon Holland, director of Hooked On Fishing International, the parent organization for the Kids All-American Fishing Derby program.

The fishing derby kit includes everything from handouts for the kids and product samples for prizes, to a widely acclaimed instruction booklet and promotional materials for the organizer.

Host organizations have included public and private agencies including state fish and game departments, parks and recreation departments, chambers of commerce. YMCAs, angling clubs, scouting groups, civic and service organizations, and the U. S. Forest Service.

The 2002 season of the Kids All-American Fishing Derby will mark the sixteenth year that Hooked On Fishing International has sanctioned the celebrated youth program with corporate support, led by title sponsor Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Sponsoring brands for 2001 include Berkley Powerbait, Berkley Trilene, Dubble Bubble Bubble Gum, Eagle Claw, FishingWorld.com, Frito-Lay, Fujifilm U.S.A., G3 Boats, Laker by Jadico, Pepsi, Southwest Airlines, Water Gremlin and Zebco.