On September 21 and 22, the United Special Sportsman Alliance (USSA) hosted its fourth annual catfish fishing trip at Pickwick Landing State Park in Counce, TN, located in the heart of Hardin County.
Fishermen and their families gathered at the First Baptist Church in Counce, where church members provided a delicious variety of popular foods for the children to enjoy. After the meal, the fishermen took their families on a tour of their boats. The children were fascinated as they explored an array of fishing gear, including catfish-specific rods, reels, holders, fish finders, landing nets, and scales for weighing fish. For many of these children, it was their first time on a boat, leading to a flurry of questions that their warm-hearted anglers were happy to answer.
Ranger Kaylee Michon from Pickwick Landing State Park led an educational program where the kids learned about local wildlife. They interacted with a snake ambassador and had the opportunity to touch various animal pelts.
The following morning, the anglers and their families set out to one of the best fishing spots, known for its large catfish. Twenty-four children and their parents from Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee were eager to start this fishing adventure, hoping to catch a big catfish.
Shortly after the first catfish was caught, two more were hooked on a different boat, followed by another catch on yet another boat. Word of the good news spread quickly among the fishermen, who were all eager for their families to catch fish. They collaborated to help each other find the best spots, ensuring that every boat had the chance to reel in a fish. Everyone was thrilled to learn that all fifteen boats had fish, with one boat even reeling in a 50-pound catfish.
Upon returning to the dock, everyone was pleasantly surprised to find it decorated with brightly colored papers, each displaying a child’s first name in large letters. Each paper also included a handwritten positive note signed by the staff of The Lodge at Pickwick Landing.
Families, volunteers, and Lodge staff eagerly awaited the unveiling of everyone’s catch as the dedicated fishermen pulled them out from the livewell and handed them to the families. After taking photos, the fishermen and children safely released their fish back into the Tennessee River.
Following this, the children were treated to another surprise: the Hardin County Fire Department District 3 had its shiny red and white fireboat docked nearby. The firefighters beamed with smiles as they watched the children board the boat and helped them hold the large hose while spraying water over the lake.
The First Baptist Church served a delicious lunch catered by Bubba’s Smoke Shack. The children received BnM Little Lucy fishing rod and reel combos, along with other handmade gifts.
We extend our gratitude to the catfish anglers, the Lodge at Pickwick Landing, Pickwick Landing State Park, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, the First Baptist Church in Counce, BnM, Bubba’s Smoke Shack, and the Hardin County Fire Department. A special thank you goes to the wonderful USSA volunteers and donors who provided essential support and funding for this fantastic event, and to Cedric Poynor for his continued assistance in organizing the fishing trip. God bless!