Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Troup County hosted its second annual Kids’ Fishing Rodeo on Saturday morning to the joy of dozens of tiny anglers.

The event was held at the lake behind the Troup County Agricultural Education Center.

Laura Mirarchi, Troup County 4-H Agent and County Extension Coordinator, said the public lake is a hidden local gem. 

This year marks the second year the lake has hosted the rodeo. Event organizer Scout Mosley, 15, started the youth fishing tournament last year as an Eagle Scout project. Scout is the son of County Manager Eric Mosley. Eric said the event has become a tradition for the Mosley family, whom several members helped staff the event.

Eric said 35 children participated in the youth fishing tournament.

The annual event offers plenty of family fun and opportunities for kids to learn fishing skills, and good sportsmanship and make connections within their community.

Awards were presented by Troup County District 3 Commissioner Lewis Davis for First second and third Pplace as well as a grand prize winner for the biggest overall fish.

Brody Lowary earned first place with 34 total fish caught. J.T. Lowary came in second with 24 fish reeled in, followed by third-place winner Khamarion Foster with 13 fish.

Young J.T. Lowary also took home the Grand Prize for the biggest overall fish caught, reeling in an 8 pound fish.

The Troup County Board of Commissioners plans to host the Kids’ Fishing Rodeo annually to continue providing educational, interactive and supportive activities for local youth.

Mirarchi confirmed that the agriculture center lake is public and available for public fishing, but they do ask that you call beforehand to ensure the lake isn’t scheduled for other programming and that caretakers know you will be there.

“Troup County is blessed to have such a wonderful facility available to the public for events like this and others,” Eric Mosley said.