Annual Carl Lane Catfish Derby winners hook fish, awards | Family

Table of Contents
KINGSPORT — Dozens of little ones, ages 3-12, cast their lines into the W.T. “Dude” Bales Pond hoping to land a catfish or a few Saturday through the Carl Lane Catfish Derby at the Cherokee Rod and Gun Club.
The function, held each individual calendar year to coincide with Tennessee’s once-a-year Absolutely free Fishing Working day, drew newcomers and “regulars” alike.
The Catfish Derby was named for its longtime organizer, Carl Lane, who handed away in 2020.
The occasion carries on to be hosted by the Cherokee Rod and Gun Club, with Lane’s family members getting guide roles in organizing the derby. Many were present Saturday, together with his widow, Sue daughters Gwen Maupin and Lucy Willis son-in-law Johnny Willis granddaughter Marie Jones (and husband Zac).
Statewide, Absolutely free Fishing Working day is presented by the Tennessee Wildlife Sources Company and this calendar year was sponsored by Academy Sports + Outdoor.
In addition to support from the TWRA, which stocked the pond and donated doorway prizes, the Carl Lane Catfish Derby’s nearby sponsors involved Modern-day Woodsmen (Derrick Paduch), and, of system, the Cherokee Rod and Gun Club.
TWRA Officer Ryan Rosier explained any one in the total state could fish no cost (with out buying a license) Saturday, but a ton of activities are geared toward little ones to provide a very good way to introduce them to angling.
Not absolutely everyone caught a fish Saturday morning, and numerous released what they did capture back into the pond. But all people appeared to have a superior time, fish or no fish. The derby concluded with a scorching canine lunch and an awards presentation.
In accordance to a push release issued by the TWRA previous 7 days, small children ages 15 and younger could fish devoid of a license by means of Friday, June 17, in the state’s public waters, TWRA-owned and -operated lakes, and point out park amenities. Some privately owned pay out lakes and ponds proceed to demand through this unique 7 days, and anglers require to seek the advice of with those people operators if there is any problem about a facility becoming no cost or not.
“The Tennessee Wildlife Methods Agency presents the once-a-year free of charge day in hopes of escalating interest in fishing,” the launch mentioned. “The working day permits any individual the prospect to try this terrific outdoor activity to celebrate fishing as a wholesome and balanced leisure chance.”
All in all, 70 fish ended up caught and weighed throughout the two-hour derby.
The TWRA each year stocks several thousand kilos of fish for numerous functions and the agency available special many thanks to Academy + Athletics for its statewide sponsorship for Cost-free Fishing Working day. Academy + Sports provides $10,000 in reward playing cards and donates $20,000 to the Tennessee Wildlife Basis for the working day.
For a record of upcoming activities, pay a visit to the TWRA internet site at www.tnwildlife.org and the fishing webpage. Anglers and possible anglers should check out the events list often because distinctive functions are regularly added.