January 17, 2019
Sixth annual Rainbow Trout Roundup set for Feb. 23
MURPHY (January 17, 2019) One of Murphy’s more popular multi-generational events, the Rainbow Trout Roundup, is set for its sixth annual run on Saturday, Feb. 23 at the municipal pond, 206 North Murphy Road.
“This event is special for us since it serves to bring together several generations within families to spend quality time together,” says Kayla McFarland, Special Events Coordinator. “We see kids with mom and dad, and often the grandparents are right there as well. Everyone seems to have a great time.”
The Roundup starts at 9 a.m. and ends at 11:30 a.m.
Participants up to 6 years of age are invited to cast from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. with winners in this age group announced at 10:15 a.m. Then, participants from 7 years of age to 17 years of age may cast their lines starting at 10 a.m. until the end of the tournament at 11:30 a.m. Winners in the 7 to 11 years of age group as well as those winners between 12 and 17 years of age will be announced at 11:35 a.m.
Prizes and trophies will be handed out in each age category to the shortest, longest, and heaviest stringer of five Rainbow trout only. In addition to the first-place trophy, a second-place medal in each category will be awarded, a new addition this year. The catch and keep limit is five per person. Bait will be provided free of charge, and families may use available fishing poles at no cost, while supply lasts.
Registration prior to the event is highly encouraged, avoiding the long sign-up lines on that morning. Registration can be accomplished at: https://reconline.murphytx.org/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/wbsearch.html. The keyword search is: Rainbow Trout.
“Many of our youngest entrants will be fishing for the first time, so we want to give them full access to the pond at 9 a.m.,” she said. “Moms, dads, grandmas and grandpas can help the little ones with baiting the hooks, tending the line and pulling in their catches. It’s a real treat to see the faces of the kids who land their first catch.”
Anglers 18 years and older can cast their lines after the close of the tournament. An exemption to the licensing requirement will be in place until 4 p.m. Then, the Texas Parks and Wildlife monitors will begin checking for licenses after 4 p.m. This exemption only applies to the Murphy pond on Feb. 23. Licenses can be obtained at most retailers with an outdoors or hunting department.
Unlike previous years, there will be no lunch offered to participants this year.
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