PERRY, GA -- The Georgia Agricultural Exposition Authority invites organized groups of children (minimum of 10 per group) to fish at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter during National Fishing month in June. One of the Agricenter’s lakes, which has been stocked with catfish, will be available at no charge on a reservation only basis. Reservations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to availability.

Organized groups include boy and girl scouts, churches, schools, civic clubs, etc. Fishing is open to children only up to 16 years of age. The Agricenter encourages groups to practice “catch and release” so that others may have an enjoyable experience, too. However, each child is permitted to take home up to four fish.

Special thanks goes to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and its Fisheries Division in particular. They stock the lake with the catfish.

Group sponsors are to follow these guidelines: bring a group of at least 10 children, supervise and assist the group, and provide all fishing gear and bait. Rest room facilities and picnic tables are located near the lake.

Fishing is available 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday during the month of June. Please contact Teresa Hawk, Communications Department, at 478-988-6483 or 800-987-3247 ext. 483 (Georgia only) or e-mail thawk@gnfa.com to schedule your group’s fishing trip or for more information on this program.