Friday, June 27th, 2008

The breeze was blowing, fishing gear was set up, bait was on the hook, and the sun was shining this morning at Agricenter International’s Catch’em Lake.  The 35 anglers, all members of Shepherd’s Haven Ministry for Mentally Challenged Adults, patiently waited for the horn to blow to start the First Annual Shepherd’s Haven Fishing Rodeo.

When the horn blew, bait was cast, and the fish began to fly out of the water.  The participants, with help from volunteers, sponsors, and Agricenter staff, began a great day of fishing.  Catfish and bream seem to be the fare of the day, as the competitors tempted them with stink bait, shrimp,  and nightcrawler worms.

Prizes were awarded for “ first fish out of the water”(man and woman), and then randomly throughout the day as names were drawn. Thanks to some fantastic sponsorship, every participant was able to go home with something to remember the day. Gifts such as, hats, t-shirts, fishing poles, and stringers were awarded. The host of fantastic sponsors included Walmart, Sportsman’s Warehouse, Bass Pro Shops, Calvin’s Family Bait and Tackle, and Agricenter International.

Jim Clark, from Walmart, came around with his bag of fishing gear and bait, to make sure that every participant had exactly what they needed to catch the “big one”. Shane and Cody, from Sportsman’s Warehouse, were ready on the nets to help competitors bring their fish onto the bank. In addition, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency was also on hand to give pointers on fishing.  

Every Shepherd’s Haven participant had a team of volunteers, ready and waiting, to set tackle, bait hooks, and haul their fish in.  The call for volunteers was answered by folks from Shepherd’s Haven Ministries, Helena Chemical, UT Extension’s Master Gardner Program, The Farm Services Agency, Baptist Memorial Hospital, UT Extension Agency, and Agricenter International’s Board of Directors.

First Place Largest Fish went to Dustin Elliston, who caught a 27 inch catfish.

Second Place, Largest Fish, went to Ben Rose, whose catfish was 26 inches.

First Place, Most Fish, went to Petey Northup, who caught 22 fish.

Second Place, Most Fish, went to the team of Stan Griggs and Karen Pitner who caught a combined total of 20 fish.

 

Scroll Down to See the Photos from the Rodeo

 

Agricenter would like to thank our Sponsors:

 

1st Place-Biggest Fish-27"	1st Place - Most Fish- 22 Fish!!!
2nd Place - Biggest Fish-26"	2nd Place - Most Fish-20 Fish!!!