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The second annual Kids Fishing Rodeo is coming back to Hardley Creek, near the West Point Dam. The event, put on by the Greater Valley Area Chamber of Commerce, will take place on June 1 and is open to kids 12 years of age and younger. Last year’s rodeo saw almost 100 kids register, according to GVACC Director Carrie Wood. After the success of the event, the chamber is bringing the event back, and hoping to top last year’s number.

“Last year was very successful. It was the first time that we had done this in quite some time. Prior to that, it was at the Chambers County Lake. But since its closure, we have not hosted this until last year,” Wood said.

This year, the kids will have the added bonus of bait. Bait will be provided to the young anglers by Bluffton Bait and Tackle.

The tackle shop will also have other supplies for purchase and is cash only. The contestants are required to bring their own fishing rod or can buy one from Bluffton on the day of the event.

The kids can begin registering at 8:30 a.m. ET on the morning of June 1. The fishing begins at 9:30 a.m. ET and go through 12 p.m. ET.

This year five fish are tagged, and the kids that catch one or more of the tagged fish will get a cash prize. Johnny’s Pizza of West Point will be catering the rodeo, with the anglers eating for free. Family members and friends can purchase lunch as well.

“We want to top that [100] number this year and we want to invite everyone out to have a good time,” Wood said. “Be sure to bring your fishing pole and some cash and get registered early.”