May 19, 2021
Randy Zellers Assistant Chief of Communications
LITTLE ROCK — The cats with the tags are back, and this year, they’ll be swimming in Boyle Park Pond just in time for The Big Catch, a community fishing event and health fair on May 22 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Participants can win prizes, enjoy music and some much needed fresh air in addition to the free fishing fun, courtesy of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and Community First Alliance.
“We’ll have a health fair at the location, and even a COVID vaccine clinic,” Maurice Jackson, Family and Community Fishing Program coordinator, said. “There’s going to be a lot of things going on, and we hope to see everyone out there to help kick off our return to fishing events this spring.”
Participants must register at c1A.life to get a COVID vaccine, as a limited supply will be available.
“Getting vaccinated is important. We want to see families come out to future Big Catch events,” said Gary Casey, President of Community First Alliance.
But Boyle Park isn’t the only location getting tagged catfish. Hundreds of channel catfish are being placed in FCFP locations across the state, each worth a prize to the lucky angler who catches it.
“Three anglers will also be drawn from returned tags to win a free half-day guided fishing trip courtesy of J.T. Crappie Guide Service and the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation,” Jackson said. “We also have Bass Pro Shops gift cards ranging from $250 to $800 to give away when the contest is over in a live drawing on July 15.”
Visit www.agfc.com/familyfishing to learn more about the Family and Community Fishing Program and the tagged catfish promotion.