Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

For Scout Mosley, 14, the idea of creating the first annual Kids’ Fishing Rodeo came from combining his hobby of fishing and his drive to become an Eagle Scout — the highest rank in the Boy Scouts.

“I was trying to think of things I really enjoyed,” Mosley said. “I knew I enjoyed hanging out with kids and fishing, so my dad, Eric Mosley, and I came up with this idea of a fishing rodeo at the Troup County Agricultural Education Center.”

To become an Eagle Scout, a scout has to make a project for their fellow scouts that involves serving the community. Mosley’s kid’s fishing rodeo helped fill that requirement.

At last weekend’s event, there were approximately 50 children from ages 5-12 that participated. The event presented opportunities for the young participants to hone their fishing skills, encourage good sportsmanship, and make connections within their community.

Mosley said he felt that the event last Saturday went very well.

“We had a really good turnout,” he said. “My family helped me out, and I think from the success of the first one we want to potentially make this an annual event.”

Awards were given to participants Lennon Bonner, son of Britt Bonner, for the “Grand Prize – Largest Fish Caught,” Tyler Chesser, son of Ronnie Chesser, for “First Place – Most Fish Caught”; Mary Eliza Karr, daughter of Jason and Jessica Karr for “Second Place – Most Fish Caught”; and Gavin Alderman, son of Troy Alderman, for “Third Place – Most Fish Caught.”

“I’m thankful for everyone who joined us for Troup County’s first annual Fishing Rodeo, and want to congratulate all the participants for their hard work,” Mosley said. “I would also like to thank Boy Scout Troop 21, the Troup County Roads Department; my father, Eric Mosley and the generous donors whose funding contributed to the success of this project.”