If your kids get discouraged when the fish don’t bite, McKinney Lake State Fish Hatchery has a solution - bring them to Children’s Fishing Day on Saturday.

The 420-acre site is home to over 150,000 Channel Catfish, which could dramatically improve kids’ odds when they throw out a line.

McKinney Lake hosts a Children’s Day once a year, opening its waters up for kids, ages 15 and under, to fish for free. Kids get to keep what they catch, and parents can assist the younger ones.

Registration is from 7-8 a.m., fishing lasts from 8 a.m. until noon. Guests may bring one rod per child, along with favorite bait selections.

The event is not a competition. Raffle prizes and a hot dog lunch will be provided, courtesy of sponsors like the North Carolina Wildlife Commission and the Tri-City Bass Masters Club of Richmond County.

Kids registered at the fishing day are eligible to enter a statewide drawing for fishing-related prizes like tackle boxes, rods and reels. The grand prize is a lifetime unified sportsman license, donated by Nuese Sport Shop in Kinston. The N.C. State Council of Trout Unlimited will be donating a lifetime fishing license. 15o other fishing-related prizes have been donated by Bass Pro Shops and the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.

Over 100 participants enjoyed a day of fun and fishing at the 2010 event, and Director Rick Bradford expects another great turnout this year.

“This is such a fun way to give back to the community each year,” said Bradford. “Everyone here has a regular job to do, but this event allows us to have a little fun along the way. We’re very proud to host Children’s Fishing Day and hope that we see a record turnout from all of the areas around Richmond County.”

Richmond County’s McKinney Lake State Fish Hatchery is one of six such facilities in the State of North Carolina. The site has 24 ponds, each eight feet deep with aeration capabilities to regulate oxygen in the water. The facility’s prime responsibility is to stock many state ponds throughout the Piedmont region, including public lake areas in Charlotte, Raleigh, Wilmington and Greensboro. Hatchery employees average about 30 stocking exercises every month from April to September.

Everyone interested in attending Children’s Fishing Day on Saturday is welcome to attend. The facility is located at 220 McKinney Lake Road, in Hoffman. Please call 910-895-5330 for additional information.

Staff writer Kelli Easterling can be reached at (910) 997-3111 ext. 18, or by email at keasterling@heartlandpublications.com