Ninth annual Rainbow Trout Roundup set for Feb. 25
MURPHY (January 23, 2023) Young anglers in Murphy will get another chance to win prizes and capture bragging rights as the ninth annual Rainbow Trout Roundup gears up. The popular event is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 25.
As usual, the competition will take place at the municipal pond at City Hall, 206 North Murphy Road. Safe and secure parking is available in all the City Hall lots.
“Multi-generational families look forward to this fun event every year, as they spend time together, creating memories while enjoying some friendly competition,” says Ashley Hudson, Special Events Coordinator. “Not only are dads and grandads eager to help, but moms and grandmoms get excited about the unique fishing tournament. In that respect, everyone wins.”
The Roundup starts at 9 a.m. and ends at 11:30 a.m. Pre-event registration can be accomplished online at https://secure.rec1.com/TX/murphy-tx/catalog by clicking on the yellow Special Events tab. The system will prompt registrants to create an account if one does not already exist. Clicking on the “Rainbow Trout Roundup” link will allow participants to complete their registration. While the Roundup is free of charge, registration is required.
Participants up to 6 years of age may 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 for the shortest, longest, and heaviest stringer of five Rainbow trout only. In addition to the first-place trophy, a runner-up medal in each category will be awarded. In addition, gift baskets and certificates will be presented, provided by Raising Canes of Murphy.
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 and on a first come, first serve basis. Personal fishing gear is allowed.
“The entire family can help the little ones with baiting the hooks, tending the line, and pulling in their catches,” added Hudson. “Moms, dads and grandparents should not forget their cameras or mobile phones, as there will be great photo opportunities all morning long.”
Anglers 18 years and older may not fish during the Roundup or before noon on the day of the tournament. An exemption to the licensing requirement will be in place from noon to 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. 25. Licenses can be obtained at most retailers with an outdoors or hunting department.
Warm clothing and foul weather gear is encouraged, as previous tournaments have dealt with rain and low temperatures.