‘Big Catch’ fishing derby and community festival back on for MacArthur Park May 18

May 15, 2019

Randy Zellers

Assistant Chief of Communications

LITTLE ROCK – The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and Community First Alliance, Inc. will host Arkansas’s largest community fishing event this Saturday at MacArthur Park in Little Rock. The “Big Catch” will celebrate its fifth year in The Natural State, combining fishing, food and a day of fun for the whole family in one package.

Originally scheduled in April, the “Big Catch” was postponed because of extremely poor weather, but the outlook for this weekend looks much better and organizers are excited to get out and enjoy some real family fun with the Little Rock area.

“Nearly 2,000 catchable-sized channel catfish will be waiting for anglers to enjoy a fishing derby on the pond,” said Maurice Jackson, Family and Community Fishing Program coordinator for the AGFC. “We also have about $15,000 worth of prizes from many generous vendors to give out during the course of the day.”

In addition to fishing, the AGFC will host archery and BB-gun shooting, and many other partners will have activities for every age. 

“We’ll have a health fair with free health screenings, and Pulaski Tech will be there to show people how to clean and cook their catch.”

Hunters Feeding the Hungry will be available with other wild game treats for participants to sample and will offer some easy ways to cook some of Arkansas’s most popular game animal: white-tailed deer.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own tackle, chairs, coolers and favorite catfish bait.

“Catfish aren’t picky,” Jackson said. “You can use worms, prepared catfish baits, or even cut up chunks of hot dog.” 

Lunch also will be provided for all registered participants. Thanks to generous donations, hot dogs, ice cream and other refreshments will be available. 

Visit www.c1a.life to register for the event.