The 9th Annual Kid Fish at Fort Boggy State Park was held on Saturday, March 7th, and, even though it rained for some of the afternoon session, the weather was much more cooperative than last year with warmer temps and sunny skies.
The event attracted over 140 pre-registered children with a final attendance of 59 in the morning session and 48 in the afternoon session.
That included 20 walk-ins. Lake Sullivan, once again, received 3,000 rainbow trout for the event, so there were plenty of fish to entice with a bait selection of worms, salmon eggs and marshmallows that were provided to the young anglers.
After each session checked in, participants received their t-shirts and goodie bags, then were greeted by Heather Mott, our Park Interpreter, who welcomed everyone and explained the activities to follow. From there the young anglers attended five educational mini-clinics on topics including Fish ID, Fish Habitat, Environment and Safety, Knot Tying and Casting.
All participants then proceeded down to the lake to receive their free Zebco rod and reel and bait and got to go fishing for the remainder of the session. Whether it was the delectable bait assortment offered, warmer weather or our young anglers’ skill – or all of the above – several fish were caught by our able anglers with celebratory photos taken.
Each Kid Fish participant received a commemorative 2026 Fort Boggy State Park Kid Fish bag tag in their goodie bag and a coupon for a free ice cream courtesy of DQ Pratt, Inc. as well as lots of educational material and some sweet treats generously donated by Mars Wrigley.
The live well was back again this year and our younger anglers (4 years old and under) had a grand time trying their luck at catching a fish – and many did. These little anglers also had a duck race and craft activity to keep them busy up by the pavilion.
Atmos Energy joined Kid Fish again this year and provided lunch for everyone in attendance. Their volunteers worked like champions to cook and serve up hot dogs and hand out drinks to participants, their families and volunteers.
With over 100 participants and their families from as far away as Pearland to the south and Abilene to the north, not only was the park enjoyed by families from the local communities of Leon County, but also by those from a range of cities and towns around the state. We even had an attendee from out-of-state.
Family members were encouraged to bring their own gear and share in the fishing experience alongside their young anglers. That’s what this event is about – not only teaching our youth how to fish, but providing an opportunity for the entire family to get out and enjoy the outdoors and nature’s many benefits.
Fort Boggy State Park and the Friends of Fort Boggy State Park would like to thank all the volunteers that came out to help make the event a success and extend a very heartfelt thank you to all of our amazing sponsors that donated, both monetarily and with in-kind donations.
Without them, this event would not be possible. Our sponsors are:
PLATINUM: Atmos Energy, Carlton Coffman Farms, and Two Rivers Wildlife Alliance, Inc.
GOLD: Centerville Economic Development, Limestone Project Employees’ Fund and Nucor Steel Texas
SILVER: Caryn Thompson CPA PA, Centerville Auto Parts, J5 Tractors, Kenneth R. Schroeder LLC and State Bank of Jewett
BRONZE: Ace Home and Hardware of Madisonville, Buffalo Economic Development and Tourism Corp., Centerville Feed & Supply, Circle T Realty, Houston County Electric Cooperative, Patrick & Diana LeBlanc, Leona General Store Steakhouse, Marquez Economic Development Corp., Normangee State Bank, Pruitt’s Cleaners, Stitches and Lil’ Britches, The Bank of Madisonville, Wakefield Insurance Agency & RVOS #128, Walters Funeral Home
We also gratefully appreciate the additional monetary and in-kind donations from Eric Bakota, Wiliam & Gretchen Carnahan, Cadence Bank, Community National Bank & Trust, DQ Pratt, Bill & Mary Garms, Kline’s Adventures, Richard Lay, Mars Wrigley, Pecan Grove Cafe, Resurrection Hill Farms, and Richard & Laura Parrish. And a big Thank You to the crew from Atmos Energy who cooked and served lunch to all participants and their families.
Thank you again to all the young anglers and their families that came out to participate, the volunteers and park staff that donated their time and energy and our generous sponsors who make this all possible.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 6th, 2027 as we will be celebrating our 10th Annual Fort Boggy State Park Kid Fish. We hope to welcome many more families out to the park next year and continue our goal of not only teaching youth to fish but also encouraging everyone to get out and “Enjoy the Outdoors”.
For more information about being a volunteer or an active member of “The Friends of Fort Boggy State Park” contact the Friends Group at friendsoffortboggy@gmail.com or call 903-907-0329.The Friends of Fort Boggy is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping Fort Boggy State Park in the conservation of its natural resources and assisting with special events at the park.
