Thomas Bryce Lovings, 3, watches as his grandfather James Wicklund pulls a hook out of a catfish caught by Thomas’ cousin, Logan Rush, 7, while Tayor Wicklund, 4, also watches Saturday at the 15th Annual John Tanner State Park Children’s Fishing Rodeo. The event was open to kids ages infant to 15. Park manager Trint Wicklund estimated about 150 people attended the event, which was free to the public. The event was set up by and used volunteers from the Mt. Zion Optimist Club as well as employees of the park.

Tristan Upton, 5, reacts to his catch-a leaf-while participating in the 15th Annual John Tanner State Park Children’s Fishing Rodeo.

Karalese Wehner, 5, reels in her line on her Disney Princess pole while fishing with her mom, Jolyn Saturday. The Wehner family is camping at John Tanner State Park.

A catfish caught by Jonathon Barrett, 8, of Tallapoosa, wiggles off the scale Saturday while being weighed in at the 15th Annual John Tanner State Park Children’s Fishing Rodeo. The fish was Jonathon’s third catch of the day and weighed about two pounds.

Jeff Smith uses a pair of pliers to help unhook a catfish caught by his son Kuttler, 13, while his wife, Virginia, watches Saturday. About 950 pounds of catfish were added to the lake Monday for the event. Park Manager Trint Wicklund said the two-hour contest would be extended an extra hour because of the weather. Wicklund said the park was encouraging a catch and release system though participants were allowed to keep their fish.

Makayla Hunton, 10, sits with her father, Chad, waiting for a bite. The two are from Dallas and were camping at the state park with family.