June 2, 2020
By: Dwayne Page
The annual Pea Ridge Kids Fishing Rodeo held conjunction with Free Fishing Day in Tennessee will not take place this year because of COVID 19.
The Rodeo, usually held at the big pond in the Pea Ridge Wildlife Management Area for kids through age 15, would have been held this Saturday, June 6. Along with the thrill of fishing, the Rodeo always treated youngsters to snacks, soft drinks, and prizes.
“We were instructed by our agency (TWRA) not to have any large event due to COVID 19 so all agency sponsored fishing events across the state have been canceled and that includes the Pea Ridge Rodeo. I apologize to everyone for that. I wish we could have done something different,” said TWRA Officer Tony Cross.
People may still go to the pond to fish on their own. Just be respectful of the property and keep the area free of litter.
“We still were able to stock the pond. We put about 250 pounds of catfish in there last week. Everyone is welcome to go up there to the pond and fish if they have their appropriate license. The only thing we ask is please respect the property. Posts, cables, and gates were erected there a couple of months ago in response to folks who had been driving out in our fields in violation of posted signage there. We actually had a double gate put at the bottom of the parking lot but not long after that someone drove through and over the gates and bent them badly . We have since been able to get the gates put back up and locked. I know most people are not guilty of something like that but if you are fishing at the pond and see anything like that occur again please report it. Remember to park in the designated area and access the pond through the walkway. We encourage everyone to go up there and enjoy it but treat it right. Be respectful and take your garbage back with you for disposal,” said Officer Cross.