Youth fishing events at Reelfoot, around West Tennessee next Saturday

The free rodeos are part of National Fishing and Boating Week, which is designed to introduce people of all ages to the sport of fishing.

Saturday is also Free Fishing Day in Tennessee, a day when everyone may fish without purchasing a fishing license. Youngsters ages 13-15 may continue fishing without a license through June 12 this year.

The 19th annual Youth Fishing Rodeo at Reelfoot NWR is open to children ages 12 and younger. Registration begins at 7:15 a.m. at the refuge ponds on Highway 157 near Walnut Log. Children will fish between 8 a.m. and noon. Participants may use only live bait.

Local sponsors have donated hundreds of door prizes that will be given away during the rodeo. Hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, cookies and drinks will be provided at no cost while supplies last.

For additional information concerning the fishing rodeo, please contact Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge (731) 538-2481.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency plans to host the Mid-South Junior Fishing Rodeo in Germantown for ages 6-12. Action will begin with registration 7-9 a.m. and fishing 9-11 a.m. Saturday at Johnson Road Park behind Germantown Baptist Church off Poplar Avenue. The park's lake will be stocked with catchable-sized catfish.

Prizes will be awarded to the youth in each age group (6-8 or 9-12) with the most points. Children will receive points each time they catch fish. Also, prizes will be drawn throughout the rodeo from registration forms.

Memphis Realtor Jackie Welch has agreed to again to fund the purchase of a lifetime hunting and fishing license for one of the rodeo's participants. All participants will be eligible to win this prize. The winner will be drawn from the registration forms.

Carl Graham will donate one of his Hammer Rods to the rodeo champion and will be at the lake to offer young anglers tips on how to catch fish. The champion, along with his or her immediate family, will earn a vacation trip to Blue Bank Resort on Reelfoot Lake courtesy of resort owner Mike Hayes, a member of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Commission.

The rodeo is sponsored by Memphis, Light, Gas & Water and co-hosted by the Germantown Parks and Recreation Department. Additional sponsors include the TWRA, Kroger and Wal-Mart.

For additional information contact the TWRA Region 1 office in Jackson at (800) 372-3928 or the Germantown Parks and Recreation at (901) 757-7375.

A third fishing rodeo is planned at Carroll Lake, one mile east of McKenzie on Highway 22. The 10th annual Steve McCadams Casting for a Cure Kids Fishing Rodeo is open to children 15 and younger.

Advanced registration is advised. Entry forms are available at Carroll Lake bait shop or send each kid's name, address and age to: TWRA, Attn: Steve McCadams "Casting For A Cure" Kids Fishing Rodeo, 200 Lowell Thomas Dr., Jackson, TN 38301.

Participants are asked to arrive early and check-in at the registration tent where each contestant will receive a bag of goodies. Onsite registration will be 7-9 a.m. with the actual competition taking place 9-11 a.m.

Youngsters can obtain bait and tackle onsite at Carroll Lake bait shop. TWRA will have loaner rods so every kid will have a chance to fish.

The event is a benefit for the American Cancer Society.

"It's a great opportunity for kids to learn about the great sport of fishing while sharing some time with their family and friends," said McCadams, himself a cancer survivor. "I wanted to do something to help fight this terrible disease that affects so many people for no reason. It's especially sad to see young kids stricken with cancer but with events like these we can give them hope as we work together to find a cure."

For additional information about Casting for a Cure, log on to www.stevemccadams.com or call 731-642-0360.