Features Editor

There’s nothing better than sitting on the creek bank fishing, except sitting on the creek bank fishing – and catching something.

No one can guarantee a catch, but when about 600 fish are released into a small body of water, the chances are better than good at catching something.

That’s why Troy Wal-Mart and the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries have "over-stocked" a section of Pike County Lake where they will host "Take a Kid Fishing"

from 9 until 11:30 a.m. Saturday.

"We have been working closely with Wal-Mart to provide outdoor educational experiences for the young people of our area," said Terry Jinright with the Alabama Wildlife and Fresh Water Fisheries. "Together we have also sponsored a hunter education class and we hosted a youth dove shoot in September. We are proud to be sponsors of ‘Take a Kid Fishing.’"

Jinright said "Take a Kid Fishing" is an educational experience for area children and fishing coaches will be on hand to provide elementary fishing lessons for those who might be on the bank for the first time.

Youngsters ages 5 to 9 are invited to participate as long as they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Each youngster is responsible for bringing his or her own fishing equipment.

Jinright said either a rod and reel or a cane pole is acceptable.

"Parents need to make sure their children have a stringer and bait," he said, adding that anything from worms to crickets to stink bait should be tempting to the catfish.

Jinright said the fish that were released into Pike County Lake Thursday are about a pound each and are good eating size. They were purchased from Freddie Sutton of Ariton.

One fish among the schools is very special – not because it’s bigger than all the rest – but because it has been tagged for greatness.

Biologists from Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries pulled a fish aside and tagged it with red streamers. Any youngster who catches the red-tagged fish will have the catch of the day because WTBF Radio will award that young fisherman a $200 savings bond.

Jim Roling, general manager of WTBF, said, if the red-tagged fish is not caught Saturday, the savings bond will be awarded to whomever brings in the fish.

Jinright said parents and guardians are encouraged to bring their children out to Pike County Lake for this special day of fishing and fun.

Although, Jinright can’t guarantee a catch, he said the chances are better than good but he can guarantee a good time.