The catfish are jumping at Clay Hill Farms and that’s an indication that it’s time for a day of free fishin’ fun just for kids.

The annual Pike County Kids’ Fishing Day at Clay Hill Farms in Pronto is set for Saturday and it’s open to all kids ages five to 12, who are accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Jerry Jinright, Pike County Conservation Enforcement officer, said John and Carol Dorrill have once again generously offered their well-stocked catfish pond for use as an educational fishing experience for kids.

“For several years now, John and Carol’s farm has been the host site for Kids’ Fishing Day and we greatly appreciate their generosity,” Jinright said. “The pond is so well-stocked that we don’t have to buy catfish to put in the pond. That helps make it possible for us to have the free Kids’ Fishing Day during these difficult economic times.”

Registration for Pike County Kids’ Fishing Day begins at 7 a.m. Saturday and fishing is from 8 until 11 a.m.

“Kids should bring a hat, sunglasses, bait, rod and reel and ice chest for their fish,” Jinright said. “We’ll be fishing for catfish and I would recommend chicken livers for bait. Wieners are good, too, and some people like to fish with worms. But just bring whatever bait works for you.”

Members of the Pike County Young Farmers Association will be available to provide assistance if needed and, perhaps, a fishing tip or two.

Walmart will donate two bicycles, a boy’s bike and a girl’s, to the event and lunch for all participants.

Drawings will be held for the bicycles and for prizes that include fishing tackle and gear.

“The Alabama Conservation Enforcement Officers Association donated $800 to purchase prizes for the drawings so we’ll have a lot of great prizes to give away,” Jinright said. “Kids’ Fishing Day is a fun time for those who enjoy fishing or for those who are fishing for the first time.

“It’s a good time for families to enjoy the outdoors together and there’s no prettier fishing place than Clay Hill Farms. So, we invite all the young kids to ‘go fishing’ on Saturday at Clay Hill Farms at Pronto, between Banks and Brundidge.”

Pike County Kids’ Fishing Day is sponsored by Walmart and the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division. It is partially funded by the Federal Sport Fish Restoration Program with support from the Alabama Conservation Enforcement Officers Association.