Youth reel in big wins at Fishing Rodeo
Eleven-year-old Jayce Weeks won the trophy for the largest fish in the ages 10 to 12 category at the Youth Fishing Rodeo on Saturday. It was his first time competing in the event, though fishing has always been part of his life.
“I was very excited, but a little bit nervous getting on stage,” Weeks said. “That was actually my first catfish I ever caught.”
He said fishing for catfish is a whole different experience compared to bass and bream because “they fight so much harder.” Weeks landed three catfish in total, with his biggest catch weighing in at 4 pounds and 11 ounces.
“I like the fight the fish brings and the experience,” he said. “It’s kind of like a gamble of how big the fish is you are going to catch.”
Weeks is the son of Jess and Brittney Burns.
Six-year-old Alandria Anderson also walked away with a trophy on Saturday, winning the largest fish in the 6-and-under category—and edging out her sister, Lundran, who took home the win last year.
Anderson said she felt “happy” about her win and added that she just “loves catching some fishes.”
She seems to be building a bit of a reputation. Anderson finished second last year and came back strong this time, catching five fish total. Her biggest weighed 3 pounds and 15 ounces.
Anderson is the daughter of Tushka and Alanta Willis.
The Youth Fishing Rodeo, hosted by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP), once again brought energy and excitement—this time to the banks of Northside Park.
The event welcomed children aged 12 and under for a morning of fishing, prizes, and fun, kicking off at 8 a.m.
Throughout the morning, participants tried their luck at landing either a tagged fish or the largest fish in their age group.
To keep the competition fair, only one catfish per participant was weighed. Prizes included a variety of items, such as cash, gift cards, fishing rods and reels, a gas grill, outdoor chairs, a cooler, and more.
Before prizes were handed out, State Fishing Rodeo Coordinator Sherry Hazelwood took a moment to joke with the crowd, announcing that a new “old men” category had been added this year.
Right on cue, two older gentlemen arrived at the weigh-in tent holding up a hefty catfish—bigger than most of the kids. Their excitement let out some laughs and a few surprised “wow’s” and “woah’s” before Hazelwood revealed that there was no such category after all.
The event was supported by local county and city law enforcement officers, the state Forestry Commission, and Local Authority, who set up booths around the park.
In addition to the fun, the rodeo offered educational opportunities, with biologists from the Fisheries Bureau and the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science leading activities about fish, conservation, and the environment.
Volunteers and experienced anglers were also on hand to assist, while the Law Enforcement Bureau provided important information on boating safety.
For more information about the fishing rodeo program, contact Sherry Hazelwood or Ryan Jones at (601) 432-2208, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or visit the MDWFP website at www.mdwfp.com.