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ATHENS – The Texas Freshwaters Fisheries Center (TFFC) is the venue for the “The Sunfish Showdown” tournament scheduled for September 25th. The event, held in conjunction with National Hunting and Fishing Day, runs from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is fun for the whole family.
“The Sunfish Showdown is our way of celebrating the rich hunting and fishing heritage of our states through educational and fun bluegill fishing, which for many is the first fish,” said Katelyn Barkalov, coordinator of the TFFC event. “This event is supported by several of our Texas Parks and Wildlife Department team members who are showing their hard work protecting our natural resources in a variety of ways, from fish hatcheries to law enforcement agencies, so that we can pass on these Texan traditions.”
The Sunfish Showdown Tournament is a mentor-based fishing tournament where a child works with an adult to participate in the event. Prizes for the largest fish, most fish caught and smallest fish caught will be awarded following the tournament. In addition, attendees will have the opportunity to win some hourly door prizes.
The TFFC will also celebrate the hunt on this day by running an on-site hunter training course that requires pre-registration. Texas Game Wardens will be on hand to help, and Lone Star Law will also be performing at this year’s event.
“The Sunfish Showdown is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our fishing and hunting traditions while openly welcoming all Texans to enjoy, experience and learn about fishing, outdoor water sports, and the diverse water resources of our state that are found in the Texas Freshwater Fisheries are available and on display at the center, â€said Tom Lang, director of the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center. “There is nothing we love more at TFFC than connecting new people from all walks of life to the variety of Texan fishing resources and recreational opportunities.”
Based in Athens, the TFFC includes a functioning fish hatchery, numerous aquariums focused on the marine life in the state’s fresh waters, and hosts the Toyota ShareLunker program, which invites anglers to find largemouth bass over thirteen pounds in size for research and breeding for donation purposes. The TFFC also hosts the Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame, which honors individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to freshwater fishing in Texas.
The TFFC is also home to the Texas Game Warden Museum, where visitors can learn more about the history and current operations of the TPWD rangers. In addition, the TFFC also sponsors the annual Texas Fish Art Contest, which is part of a conservation education program designed to stimulate students’ imaginations while providing valuable lessons about fish and the importance of conserving Texas’s aquatic resources.
The current operating times of the TFFC are Wednesday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Guests are encouraged to wear masks, maintain reasonable social distances from others outside of their party, use hand sanitizer, and wash their hands regularly.
For more information about the TFFC and how to plan your visit, please visit the TFFC website and Facebook page.
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