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On April 26, the Troup County Agricultural Education Center hosted the county’s third annual Kids’ Fishing Rodeo.

The event was created three years ago by Scout Mosley as his Eagle Scout project. Scout, now 17, is the son of County Manager Eric Mosley.

For the past two years, the Mosley family has helped continue the tradition providing the food, bait,  trophies, other necessities and volunteering their time to keep the event alive. This year the family was assisted by the Troup County Fire Department and UGA Extension Services.

Eric said the event had a great turnout. All in all, 35 young anglers participated in the event.

“Each year, I think we end up with more and more participation from our community as they become more aware of the [Ag Center] and of the amenities available at the facility,” Eric said.

The county has been working to enhance the pond down below the Ag Center, which was built in the 1940s.

Scout’s Eagle project was to revitalize the pond, and at the end of the revitalization, to host a kids fishing rodeo, his dad said.

Traditionally, the fishing rodeo is held in the fall but weather issues caused it to be pushed to the spring. They’re trying to get back on schedule, so the fourth fishing rodeo is being planned for around October or November of this year..

Rhett Sweet won the Grand Prize for Overall Biggest Fish.  

Other winners include Garrett Aalto, who won First Place for 24 fish caught. Tyler Chesser received Second Place for 10 fish caught and Jameson Turner came in Third Place for eight fish caught.

The county manager said the event also provides an opportunity to learn more about the Ag Center and its lake. He said people are invited to come and utilize the ponds during work days when people are there. Just check in at the Ag Center and let them know you’re going to be down there, he said.

“On the weekends, we leave the gate locked, but there is an access trail from the parking lot to access the pond,” Mosley said.

“We want people to fish there. Usually, healthy ponds are ponds that are fished more vigorously. So if you catch a fish, we’d love for them to take it home and eat it,” Mosley said. “They’re there. And we love the fish. My family does. It’s certainly a passion of our family.”

For Scout, he may soon be moving on. Eric says Scout has his eyes set on nursing school.