June 8 is free fishing day in the state of Tennessee. On this day, anyone can fish in the state of Tennessee without a fishing license. Discovery Park of America is taking advantage of this opportunity to showcase our gorgeous and fully stocked ponds. Free Fishing Day is intended to encourage young anglers to go out and explore the outdoors, but anyone can participate. Anyone bringing their fishing gear will receive free access to the ponds, park grounds, and the Discovery Center.

The Train Depot Gate will open at 8 am. Anglers will have access to park grounds from 8-10 a.m. At 10 a.m., anglers can access the Discovery Center. When the park officially opens at 10 a.m., all entries will need to use the main entrance. Anyone catching a bass or catfish between 8 a.m. and noon can choose to participate in a fishing contest. Fishing contest participants will bring their catch to the covered bridge. The fish will be measured, weighed, and returned to the pond. All participants in the fishing contest will receive a voucher for free ice cream.

The top fish will receive the following prizes:

• Biggest Bass: 4 passes for free admission to the park
• 2^nd Biggest Bass: 2 passes for free admission to the park
• 3^rd Biggest Bass: 1 pass for free admission to the park

• Biggest Catfish: 4 passes for free admission to the park
• 2^nd Biggest Catfish: 2 passes for free admission to the park
• 3^rd Biggest Catfish: 1 pass for free admission to the park

Fishing Rodeo Rules

• Fish Weighing: All participants must bring their fish to the Covered Bridge for weighing.
• Fish Types: Only catfish and bass will be accepted for weighing.
• Fish Return: After weighing, all fish will be returned to the pond.
• Fish Surrender: Participants will surrender their fish to the officials at the weighing station.
• Ice Cream Voucher: Each participant will receive an ice cream voucher upon surrendering their fish.
• Cut-off Time: No fish will be accepted for weighing after noon.
• Winner Announcement: The winners will be announced shortly after noon.
• Prizes: The participants with the three largest catfish and the three largest bass will receive free ticket vouchers.