History of the Branched Oak Kids' White Perch Tournament

In May of 2012, an inspiring idea sparked in the mind of Randy Tambke—to create a free fishing tournament for children and families, not only as a fun competition but also to raise awareness about the impact of white perch on Nebraska Fisheries. Eager to share his vision, Randy posted his idea on the Nebraska Fish and Game Association's forum at nefga.org, and the response from the community was overwhelmingly positive.

True to his nature, Randy wholeheartedly embraced the opportunity and dove headfirst into organizing the inaugural Branched Oak Kids' White Perch Tournament (BOKWPT) on June 30th, 2012. Determined to make the event memorable for all participants, Randy sought out donations, sponsors, and volunteers. He tirelessly gathered prizes, coordinated food arrangements, and secured the perfect location for the fishing extravaganza. His initial hope was to welcome around 25 kids and their families to the first event.

As the anticipated day finally arrived, Randy was greeted by 75 enthusiastic and smiling young faces, brimming with excitement to cast their lines. In that moment, he knew he had struck gold and realized that this tournament had the potential to become an annual tradition.

Year after year, Randy made continuous adjustments and improvements, striving to make each subsequent tournament even more remarkable than the last. His motto became "Bigger and Better Next Year," and he never failed to deliver on that promise. Through his relentless dedication, Randy transformed the BOKWPT into the largest children's fishing tournament in the State of Nebraska.

In June of 2022, Randy faced a difficult decision. He decided to pass the torch of the BOKWPT to someone who could uphold his original vision and keep the event thriving. Randy proposed the idea to the Nebraska Fish and Game Association, who wholeheartedly accepted the responsibility, promising to maintain the same level of passion and enthusiasm that had been exhibited from the beginning.

Today, the Nebraska Fish and Game Association diligently works to preserve and nurture the Branched Oak Kids' White Perch Tournament, keeping Randy's cherished legacy alive.