Nearly 300 attendees enjoyed a day on the Long Branch Reservoir earlier this month as the Henry County Water Authority hosted its annual Kids Fishing Derby, with 226 young people participating in the contest.

Prize winners included Tamara Carnell, who took First Catch of the Day honors to get the event started, as well as Hailey Adams who scored the Biggest Catch of the Day. The free competition was open to people ages 18 and under, and the full day at the Locust Grove reservoir adjacent to the Cubihatcha Outdoor Education Center included “food, fellowship, fishing and fun” according to HCWA officials.

The Long Branch Reservoir is one of five drinking water reservoirs owned and operated by the HCWA but is not typically open to the public for fishing, making the Kids Fishing Derby a unique opportunity for participants. A designated area was stocked with catfish, bass, bream, and crappie. Cubihatcha Center staff were on hand to offer the use of fishing poles and bait, as well as tips and instructions for beginners. 

The HCWA offers opportunities for fishing to its customers, as well as Henry County residents and property owners, four days per week from March to November. This season, the Upper Towaliga and Tussahaw reservoirs are available for public fishing and boating for a $45 reservoir use permit that’s good for the calendar year, from the date of purchase. Fishing customers with permits can bring a guest with them for free, and discounts are available for seniors and veterans. A valid state-issued fishing license also is required.

But no fishing licenses or reservoir use permits were required to fish during the Kids Fishing Derby, because the event was held on one of the select days of the year that the Georgia Department of Natural Resources does not require a license to fish any of Georgia’s waters. These select free fishing days during the year are designed to promote the sport of fishing in the state and encourage outdoor recreation.

More details on public fishing at HCWA reservoirs, as well as a photo gallery from this year’s Kids Fishing Derby, are available on the Authority’s website at www.hcwa.com.