Park Superintendent Wayne Thompson and East Ridge Vice Mayor Jim Bethune took time after work on Monday to check out Dickert Pond. Mr. Thompson, fishing with a Batman rod and reel, and Mr. Bethune, using an old rod and reel with two-pound test rotting line pulled in one catfish after another for more than an hour.
The two brought many of the big cats to the bank and tossed them back. Even a bass made it the shoreline before breaking the line and swimming to safety.
East Ridge Optimist Club/Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency will host the Kids' Fishing Rodeo at Dickert Pond at Camp Jordan on Saturday with registration set for 8:30 a.m.
All kids old enough to hold a fishing pole, who are accompanied by an adult, are invited to fish for free Saturday.
The East Ridge Optimist Club will offer fishing, prizes, refreshments, lunch and fun for all in the area who attend.
The TWRA stocked the pond with catfish and will be there to help conduct the event.
Dickert Pond is at Camp Jordan Park, I-75, Exit 1. For more information, call 423 344-3936 or 423 771-8617.