Westminster, MD, Thursday, January 8, 2026 –Today, in Open Session, Director of Recreation and Parks Bob Hicks announced the winner of Piney Run Park’s annual Big Fish Contest. Each year, the Carroll County Department of Recreation and Parks holds a 9-month-long contest where the largest catch of the year wins $1,000.  This year’s winner, David Neuwiller of Finksburg, visited Piney Run Park on May 1, 2025, where he reeled in a 40-inch striped bass weighing over 29 pounds.

Piney Run Park’s reservoir is home to many species of fish eligible for the $1,000 prize, including largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, crappie, yellow perch, striped bass, catfish, and trout. The fish must be caught at Piney Run Park during open season and hours, March 1- November 30, legal in size and in-season, alive, and measured in and recorded with staff at Piney Run Park.

Mr. Neuwiller attended today’s session, during which he received a plaque and the $1,000 big fish check, and also provided some details of the catch.  Richard Neuwiller, David’s father, holds the all-time record for the largest fish (45” striped bass, 36.6 lbs, caught on October 8, 2014).

On March 1, 2026, Recreation and Parks will kick off the fishing season with the 2026 Piney Run Park Big Fish Contest. The biggest catch for the 2026 fishing season, March 1-November 30, 2026, will take home a $1,000 prize. If the winner beats the largest recorded catch at Piney Run Park, they will take home an additional $500.

For more information about recreational programs and parks, please visit ccrecpark.org or call 410-386-2103.