JaQuon Thomas, 9, says he’s planning to catch at least two fish at the upcoming Kids’ Fishing Rodeo. Javian Young, 8, thinks he’ll catch more like 20, he said.
Both, while carrying their cane fishing poles, said they are excited about the event.
Laquarius Hayes, 9, also can’t wait to fish.
“If I catch a big one, I am keeping it,” he said. But if he catches a little fish, he is putting it back in the pond.
Javian and JaQuon both said if they catch a little fish, they would want to keep it as a pet.
Or, “You could use it as bait,” JaQuon added.
Kids' Fishing Rodeo
The annual Kids’ Fishing Rodeo will be held from 7 to 11 a.m. next Saturday on the campus of Mississippi Valley State University. The event, which is open to all children age 15 and younger, kicks off with registration at 6:30 a.m.
“Every child who comes will have a wonderful time,” said Ruthie Robinson, a member of the Itta Bena Community Outreach, which co-sponsors the event with Mississippi Valley State University and Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.
While children have fun at the event, they also learn several skills.
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“It teaches a child patience, social skills,” said Robinson. “They learn how to bait a hook. Even though we will have people here to do that for them, they see what to do. It shows them to not be afraid and to challenge yourself. That’s when that patience and endurance comes in. You can do it, just give yourself the chance.”
Some children have an easy time catching fish. They drop a baited hook in the pond and begin to collect their prize. Others, however, struggle to get one fish to bite.
“We’ve had kids come out and not catch anything, and they want to give up, and we say, ‘Don’t give up. You’ll catch something,’” said Robinson. “When they finally catch something, it’s like you’ve given them $1 million.”
Valley students serve as volunteers at the event and have as much fun as the children.
“The students here come out, and they do participate that morning as volunteers, and they’ve been really great about doing that,” said Robinson. “It brings awareness here at the university to let them know what the community’s doing and vice versa and brings unity between the community and the university.”
The location of the event is convenient for locals and those traveling from outside of Itta Bena, and it also showcases Valley’s scenic campus.
Brandon Hawkins practices casting a line at the pond on the campus of Mississippi Valley State University.
“I think it’s a really wonderful thing for the community as well as the university that we hold it here,” said Robinson.
Children attending should be accompanied by an adult, who must sign in. Many times, families come out to enjoy a morning of fishing together.
“The children enjoy it. Parents or grandparents come out, and that experience of bonding together as a family is a wonderful thing,” said Robinson. “It’s all about learning and giving them a new skill. It’s giving them the ability to communicate, and it’s giving them the ability to bond with their family and with other people.”
The Itta Bena Community Outreach is also encouraging area 4-H or Scouting groups or other organizations to attend.
“We’re challenging all the social organizations and Greek organizations to bring children,” said Robinson. “Get kids together and bring them out. Be a guardian that day and help children to experience the wonderful thing of fishing.”
Adults will be able to fish after 11 a.m., and all adults under 65 must have fishing licenses.
Prizes will be awarded to each child who catches a tagged fish. All children will receive a certificate. Safety instructions will be provided prior to the event.
The event will also include additional fun activities. In years past, the fishing festivities have included the Mississippi State University pro bass team, a wildlife exhibit featuring turtles, baby alligators and a snake, and an archery team.
Robinson said she enjoys seeing children who have never fished before come out to the event.
“Those are my favorite ones. It never fails. If they catch a fish, there goes that pole,” she said. “It’s a new experience they have to learn, and that’s what I love. ... The excitement of seeing the children scream and run after catching a fish for the first time and say, ‘What is this?’ I really enjoy it, and I look forward to it every year.”
Every child who catches a fish gets to take it home.
JaQuon Thomas uses a cane fishing pole, which is the type recommended for the Kids’ Fishing Rodeo.
“Then, their parent or whoever can show them how to dress it and how to cook it,” said Robinson. “There’s a lot of things they can learn that day. It’s a fun time.”
The pond is filled mostly with catfish.
“I’m sure this year we’re going to have some nice-sized fish. We had some big fish last year,” said Robinson.
Children attending should bring cane poles, bait and even a bucket to store the fish they catch.
The event is supervised by Wildlife and Fisheries officers. To ensure safety, the Fishing Rodeo will have first responders and members of the Leflore County Sheriff’s Department’s diving team on site.
Volunteers for the event are needed. There will be a short training session for new volunteers at 5:30 p.m. Monday at Samuel Chapel United Methodist Church in Itta Bena.
“There’s always something to do in Itta Bena, and we try to provide activities for our families and for children and for the community to come out together,” Robinson said of the Itta Bena Community Outreach’s mission. “Let’s come together and make Itta Bena a better Itta Bena. That’s why we do this, because we know there’s so much potential here in the community.”
For more information or to volunteer, call Robinson at 704-0457.
• Contact Ruthie Robison at 581-7233 or rrobison@gwcommonwealth.com.
What: Annual Kids’ Fishing Rodeo
When: 7-11 a.m. next Saturday
Where: Mississippi Valley State University
Details: Registration begins at 6:30 a.m. Those attending must bring their own cane poles and bait. Adults can fish after 11 a.m., and those under 65 must have a fishing license. Parents or guardians must accompany their children. Volunteers are needed. For more information, call Ruthie Robinson at 704-0457, Thelma Collins at 254-7316 or Terrance Hurssey at 392-3196.
