Grins and Whiskers at Sanford Kids Fishing Rodeo

What a day! A kids' fishing rodeo was held in conjunction with the Crappie Masters Florida State Championship over the weekend (Feb. 2) in Sanford. At least 100 kids turned out for the event, held at a pond at Fort Mellon Park on the shores of Lake Monroe. Channel catfish, largemouth bass, crappie and bowfin (a.k.a. mudfish) made the scene. Most of the young anglers fished earthworms and chicken livers, but some, such as Taylor Schanel, used artificial baits. Schanel, 9, caught a 4.72-pound catfish on a Berkley Gulp! Crab. Her fish was the 2nd largest catfish of the event. The Crappie Masters tournament circuit teamed up with the City of Sanford, Sanford Chamber of Commerce and Bass Pro Shops Orlando to put together the kids' event. Weather was stunning: clear blue skies, air temps in the mid- to upper 60s, no wind. The April 2013 print edition of Florida Sportsman Magazine will feature more from the Crappie Masters events.