Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Saturday morning’s 2025 Kids Fishing Rodeo drew a big crowd at Hardley Creek Park just below West Point Dam. The event was a partnership between the Greater Valley Area Chamber of Commerce, the West Point Project Management Office and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

According to GVACC Executive Director Carrie Wood, a total of 150 youth in the 3-12 age group were registered to participate in the fishing rodeo. Many were accompanied by their parents, grandparents and other family members. A crowd estimated at more than 600 people crowded on the banks of the park’s dogbone-shaped pond in the hope of reeling in catfish. The kids had the fun of fishing while adults helped out with baiting the hooks, casting the line and taking fish off the hook when they were reeled in.

Nine-year-old Brady Riley of Valley had the thrill of catching a tagged fish and won $100 for the catch.

Wood and Assistant Director Harley Thomaston were underneath a tent at the water’s edge and were assisted by two Chamber board members and seven ambassadors in answering all kinds of questions and requests from the big crowd that was on hand. Underneath the Project Management Office tent were Joy Copeland, Maddie Rosamond, May Rogers, Ruben Rogers, Danielle Woody, Gail Dodd, Randall Dodd, Mike Linville and Jamal Turner.

Refreshments being served helped cool off a warm morning.

“I think everyone had a great time,” Wood said. “The kids were really excited when they reeled in a catfish. I know that some families who were there had fried catfish Saturday night. I saw kids with lots of fish in the coolers they were carrying away.”

A few days before the fishing rodeo the pond was stocked with 1,000 pounds of catfish.

The West Point Development Authority was the Platinum level sponsor for the fishing rodeo. The Gold level sponsors were Bluffton Bait & Tackle, Coca-Cola of Auburn and Johnny’s Pizza. The City of West Point and Thompson Carriers were the Silver sponsors, and the Bronze level sponsors were All Around Services, Four Seasons Heating & Air and RTR Communications.