Annual Kids Catfish Tournament set for June 3
Published 4:46 pm Tuesday, May 9, 2017
Junior anglers get ready, the 8th Annual Kids Catfish Tournament is just around the bend.
The Workforce Development Complex will host the annual event on Saturday, June 3, from 9 a.m. until noon with registration getting underway at 8 a.m. The tournament will be held in the pond located in front of the Workforce Development Complex.
“We really want to have a big turnout this year,” said Kim Eggers of the WDC, adding the event usually averages around 300 kids each year. “It’s amazing to see all the kids lined up around the pond.”
In years past this event has coincided with the annual Covered Bridge Days, but this year the Kids Catfish Tournament will take place the weekend before the festival.
The event is free to children age 12 and younger. Participants will need to bring their own pole, bait, and chairs. The children will also receive a free T-shirt commemorating the tournament.
“We will be giving away free hot dogs and drinks as well,” Eggers said.
Over the years, the Workforce Development Complex has partnered with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency to host the tournament for the kids. The Plumbers and Pipefitters Local No. 538 union has also been a supporter of the program for a number of years.
“TWRA and especially (Wildlife Officer) Dennis Ward have been wonderful to work with,” Eggers said.
This year, joining the WDC and TWRA in sponsoring the tournament are the Forest Service and the Carter County Hunting and Fishing Club. Several local businesses and agencies are also assisting in sponsoring the event by providing funds or door prizes.
“We have tons of door prizes we give away,” Eggers said.
In addition to the door prizes, Eggers said prizes will also be awarded for most fish caught and the largest fish caught in each of the three age groups for the tournament.
The Workforce Development Complex is located at 386 Highway 91 across from the Elizabethton Airport.
For more information on the Kids Catfish Tournament, contact Kim Eggers at 423-542-3649 or by e-mail at kimeggers@cartercountytomorow.com.
