Children between the ages of 4 and 15, along with their parents, are invited to Noxubee County for the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge Youth Fishing Tournament on Saturday.
The free event is hosted by both The Friends of the Noxubee Refuge and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. Beginning at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, children can spend time with family and friends while fishing for easy-to-catch catfish in the Fishing Derby Ponds. Between 150 and 200 children are expected to fish in the rodeo, according to Steve Reagan, the refuge manager.
The event is a good opportunity for children who have never fished to try their hand at it, Reagan said. He added that there is no fee to participate.
“It’s just meant to be a fun activity for the family,” he said.
He added that the ponds are stocked with catfish, so it should be a good opportunity for children to catch fish.
Though Reagan said the event is not really a competition, he said trophies will be given to the fishermen and women who catch the heaviest fish and the smallest fish in their age groups.
The age groups are 4 to 8, 9 to 12, and 13 to 15.
Though families are encouraged to bring their own fishing gear, bait and stringers, a limited supply of fishing gear will be available for purchase at the event.
To find the ponds, go to the Visitor Center on Bluff Lake Road in Brooksville and follow the signs to the ponds.
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