2011 YOUTH FISHING RODEO

Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) in Brownsville, Tenn., are pleased to announce a youth FISHING RODEO on June 11, 2011.  The event will be held on Hatchie’s Tanner Adams Lake off Highway 76 across from Oneal Lake.  

The fishing rodeo is open to youth ages 4 – 12.  TWRA’s Wildlife Officer Mark Vance is “excited to provide this opportunity to the youth of Haywood County.”  Officer Vance added that the event is for “ALL youth, regardless of their fishing skill level.”

Participants must provide their own fishing equipment and bait.  Volunteers will be available to assist any new anglers that may need assistance.  Parents are not allowed to fish.

Registration will begin at 8:30 am.  Fishing will start promptly at 9 am and last until 12 pm. 

Prizes will be awarded for biggest fish, smallest fish, and most fish; among others.

For more information and directions to Tanner Adams Lake, please call the Refuge Headquarters at (731) 772 – 0501 ext 227.

JCIL Fishing Rodeo and Free Fishing Day June 11

The Jackson Center for Independent Living will sponsor its annual Fishing Rodeo June 11 at Oneal Lake on the Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge. This is held each year in conjunction with Tennessee’s Free Fishing Day; a day when residents and non-residents regardless of age can fish without a license in Tennessee’s public waters.

The event begins at 8 a.m. until noon, and will include fishing, kid’s crafts and lunch. Prizes and awards will be presented. Bring your own fishing poles, rod and reel, etc. or one will be provided for you. Bait will also be provided. You do not have to be disabled to participate in this fishing rodeo. Everyone is invited.

This is the seventh year for the event, according to Beth James, executive director of the Jackson program. “Each year approximately 30-40 children have participated,” says James. “This year we’d like to see this number increase while also helping to make the community more aware of the services we provide.”

JCIL was established in 1996 and is part of a world wide network of non-profit organizations operated by people with disabilities for people with disabilities. JCIL serves an eight county region including Haywood County.

For more information about the event, contact Beth James at 731-668-2211. You can also learn more about JCIL by visiting its website: www.i-cil.com.