Free Fishing Day makes a splash in Oneida
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Free Fishing Day makes a splash in Oneida
By Shane Gilreath
Scott County marked Tennessee’s free fishing day on Saturday, June 7, for the state’s annual Bobby Wilson Free Fishing Day at Oneida City Park. “This annual event is a fantastic way to introduce children to fishing and nature,” the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) said. According to the Oneida Mayor’s office, the 2025 local event saw a larger group participate than in preceding years, with some 80 kids signup in four age groups, each of whom received a ticket at registration for a drawing to be held after the winners of the contest were announced. Prizes were given to each ticket holder until the supply was exhausted.
The annual statewide event allows Tennessee residents and visitors of all ages to fish for free without a license on public waters, lakes owned and operated by TWRA, and in state parks throughout the state.
In an effort to introduce the sport to new generations, children ages fifteen and under can fish for free without a license from June 7th through Friday, June 13th, in an anticipated event that dates back to 1991.
“Fishing is a great family activity and helps bring awareness to the natural environment,” the agency has said.
Traditionally, anyone 13 years and older is required to have a fishing license, a law that also pertains to Tennessee residents born before March 1, 1926. For residents under 13, a permit is not required. A permit is also not required for military personnel on leave, though orders must be carried. Nor is a license required to fish on privately owned land. Interested parties can obtain a license at GoOutdoorsTennessee.com.
On Saturday, the biggest fish awards went to Oakleigh Massengale (3-5 years), Presley Botts (6-8), Matthew Botts (9-12), and Jackson Burk (13-15), who also won the award for the Biggest Fish Overall with his 2lb 14oz catch. The most fish of the day were caught by Joyce Pergram (3-5), Walker Phillips (6-8), Emma Phillips and Marley Lowe (9-12), and Dylan Shull (13-15), who also caught the most fish (6) overall.
The local event was sponsored by UCB, Main Street Cell, and TWRA. Oneida Mayor Lori Phillips-Jones and husband, Phillip Jones, Police Chief Darrel Laxton and officers from the Town of Oneida, Kevin Terry with the Oneida Street Department, Dustin Burke and TWRA Captain Willard Perryman were all present, along with other office and park personnel from the Town of Oneida..
Photos by Chuck Mullett
