You're never too young to catch the big one and kids 15-year-old and younger have a chance to prove it. The Elks Aidmore Children's Center is hosting its third annual Small Fry fishing contest Saturday, April 18, 8:30 a.m. - noon.

"It's a beautiful place to fish, it's a great family activity and it's just plain fun," said Virginia Voll, marketing director.
The brain child of Maintenance Director Wade Johnson, the contest gives young people the chance to try to nab the big one-a forty pound, 5-foot-2 inch catfish named Bubba.

"We have three of the biggest catfish this side of the Mississippi-Bubba, Lil' Bubbles and Junior" said Voll. "Bubba is the biggest, that's why it's called Bubba's Pond."

For the last three years, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources has stocked the pond with 2,000 catfish. Voll said only about 500 - 600 of the catfish have been caught, which leaves more than 4,500 fish in the pond, including the three biggest ones.
The contest is open to people 15-years-old and younger, and prizes are given out to the person who catches the largest fish and the person who catches the most.

"Last year, we had about 100 people and the largest fish caught weighed a pound," Voll said.

The grand prizes are weekend passes to the Elks Honey Creek Campground and Nature Trail. The 125-acre campground offers campers hiking trails, sleeping cottages, five Adirondack shelters, a bathhouse with a pavilion, and tent and canoe rentals.
Registration for the contest begins at 8:30 a.m. and participants are encouraged to bring their own fishing poles.

"We have some here, but not enough for everyone," said Voll. "Although its not like you really need them. We have good fish here. You can stick out your arm and they jump right up there. That's they kind of fish we have."

There is no charge to participate in the contest and permits are not required because Bubba's Pond is a private pond. A paddle boat race will follow the contest.

Passes to fish at the site two Sundays a month from the day of the tournament through October 1 will be on sale for $25. Proceeds from the sale of the passes benefit the center, which serves girls 12 years old and older.

Voll said the event is an opportunity for families to spend time together and have a little fun.

"This one is particularly wonderful because everyone enjoys themselves," Voll said.

The Elks Aidmore Children's Center is located at 2394 Morrison Road in Conyers. For more information on the fishing contest, call 770-483-3535.