Hundreds of local youth took to the shores of the lake at Kenview Farms this morning and midday, hoping to lure some fish onto their lines for the 2024 Polk County Kids Fishing Rodeo.
Cpl. Chad Cox from the Department of Natural Resources reported that 456 youth ultimately took part in the event at the farm just north of Rockmart off of Highway 113.
DNR brought out several organizations – including Polk County Fire Rescue, the Sheriffs Office, AdventHealth Redmond EMS and many more – to participate in the annual event that provides youth the chance to fish for free.
Along with a number of local businesses and organizations that helped out with the event this year, the DNR-based event also provided a number of giveaways drawn hourly that among the items were a 10-foot kayak, a Blackstone griddle, a cornhole board and much more.
SUBSCRIBER GALLERY: Kids Fishing Rodeo 2024
Polk County’s annual Kids Fishing Rodeo is one of the opening events of the summer schedule providing local youth something fun to do on a weekend.
Along with the 8-fish limit that each kid had who participated, they were also looking to take the trophy for the biggest fish.
That honor went to DJ Jones, whose six pound, four ounce catch of the day landed him a trophy and gift cards from organizers. He and his siblings went home with a big haul of catfish to take home and clean for supper.
(Above photos courtesy of the Kids Fishing Rodeo Facebook Page)
Upward of nearly 500 youth participated in 2023, with an average of more than 400 youth crowding the shores of the Kenview Farm Lake annually over the past several years.
DNR as they have in the past also brought their helicopter out to the event to land and show off to youth and their families.
