Do I need to bring my own rod?

No. Organizers typically supply basic rods, bait, and instruction for the Catfish Rodeo.

Is this event suitable for toddlers?

Yes—children of all ages are welcome, but toddlers should be supervised by an adult at all times near the water.

Are the fish kept or released?

Staff usually use catch-and-release protocols and will measure and photograph fish before returning them to the pond.

Is there a cost to attend?

Programming is often free or low-cost depending on park scheduling; check Chehaw Park & Zoo for registration and fee details.

What happens in bad weather?

Events may be delayed or canceled for heavy rain or unsafe conditions; confirm the day-of status with Chehaw Park & Zoo.

Is the site accessible?

The pond edges have grassy banks; accessibility details vary—contact Chehaw Park & Zoo for specific accommodations.

Family Catfish Rodeo at Chehaw Park & Zoo, Albany GA

Chehaw Park & Zoo’s Catfish Rodeo is a short, salt-free plunge into hands-on nature education at Chehaw Park & Zoo in Albany, Georgia. Held March 21 from 8am–12pm, this family-centered event hands kids and caregivers the simple gear and friendly instruction to catch live catfish from a stocked pond. It’s designed for all ages, low pressure, and built around safe interaction with wildlife. Arrive at the park’s pond and you’ll find shallow edges, grassy banks, and volunteers coaching baiting, line handling, and fish care. The focus is channel catfish and other hardy pond species common to Southwest Georgia; expect broad, whiskered catfish bodies, smooth skin, and sudden, surprising pulls on a light line. Staff explain fish biology and local habitat while keeping the tempo playful: short demos, one-on-one help for first-time anglers, and opportunities for photos and measuring before the fish are returned. The morning format—8am to 12pm—lets families enjoy cool air, fewer crowds, and easy naps back at camp or the car afterward. Beyond the catch, the setting makes this more than a lesson in fishing. Chehaw’s landscape blends open pond edge with native longleaf pine pockets and wiregrass that support songbirds and wading birds; you may hear belted kingfishers or see great blue herons quarter the shallows. The event sits inside a larger recreation area and zoo that emphasizes native species and conservation education, so the Catfish Rodeo doubles as a window into the local ecosystem and the park’s efforts to connect people with wildlife. Practical notes make the experience simple: bring sun protection, a refillable water bottle, and shoes that can get wet; organizers supply basic rods, bait, and instruction. The event’s design favors beginners and young hands—no advanced skills required—so it’s a good first catch for kids and adults who’ve never fished. Chehaw Park & Zoo provides a controlled, educational environment that’s rare in urban-adjacent parks: safe shallow water, trained staff, and a family-first layout that turns an ordinary weekend into a small rite of passage. If your visit to Albany includes outdoor-minded kids or multigenerational family time, book a morning at the Catfish Rodeo. It’s a quick, memorable way to touch the local waterways, meet live animals safely, and leave with a story about the one that got away—or the one you gently released back into the pond. On event day volunteers often set up short demonstration stations where children can learn to identify fins, scales, and basic fish anatomy, and staff answer questions about local water quality and habitat restoration. The Catfish Rodeo is free or low-cost depending on park programming; check Chehaw Park & Zoo for registration details and any age restrictions before you go. Arrive early for best parking and cooler temperatures.