This past Saturday morning over 100 kids, along with parents and guardians, gathered at Legion Lake, at Legion State Park for the annual Kids N Kats Fishing Rodeo. The Rodeo was open to youth ages 4-16, with registration beginning at 7:30 a.m. The kids were allowed to begin fishing after a brief opening ceremony shortly before 8:30.
No adults were allowed to fish, but could assist the youth; participants were allowed a limit of five fish. The Mississippi of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks had released more than 500 catfish into an area that was specially netted off.
Registration was handled by volunteers from Friends of Legion State Park and the Louisville Lions Club. Vowell’s Market Place provided hot dogs for the participants after the Rodeo.
Fishing has long been a popular outdoor activity but many people, especially children, have limited fishing opportunities. It is the goal of MDWF Kids and Katfish program to introduce rodeo participants to fishing and recruit them to be responsible, licensed anglers and good stewards of our aquatic environment. Events feature educational activities focusing on fish, fishing, and environmental concerns. These quality fishing experiences are provided in a controlled and safe environment. The rodeo ponds like Legion are well stocked with channel catfish to meet participants' expectations of catching fish. Fishing educational and technical information are provided by our Fisheries Technical staff, biologists from the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, and volunteer anglers. Boating safety information is provided by our Law Enforcement Bureau.
MDWF schedules 50 or more rodeos a year, in all areas of the state. The events are held on Saturday mornings and registration usually begins between 7:00 - 9:00 AM.
