June 12, 2012 - Dads, kids, and the whole family will be able to catch a bonding experience at the Father's Day Fishing Event, presented by City of Knoxville Parks and Recreation and the Mast General Store from 3-7 p.m. on Sunday, June 17, 2012, in Victor Ashe Park.

More than 200 children and their parents participated in last year's event.

"There is always a great turnout for this event because it's good, free, family fun," said Joe Walsh, Director of Knoxville Parks and Recreation. "Events like this - ones that bring families and communities together - are what Parks and Recreation is all about."

The two-acre lake at Victor Ashe Park contains channel catfish ranging from 2-8 pounds that were donated by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, in addition to its existing largemouth bass and bluegill.

The Mast General Store is partnering with the City of Knoxville by donating prizes to be given away, including a grand prize for the largest fish caught by a father/child team. There's also a prize for the first person to catch the albino catfish that will be put in the lake.

Participants should bring their own bait, tackle, fishing poles, and blankets. Refreshments including fried catfish and fried green tomatoes will be available for purchase at the event.

Fishing licenses are required on site for everyone over the age of 13 that will be fishing. There is a take-home limit of two fish for this event.

No pre-registration is necessary. However, participants can register for door prizes on the day of the event.

For more information, please visit www.cityofknoxville.org/recreation/fathersday or call 311.