CITIZEN STAFF REPORT
STAFFORDSVILLE — The annual Casting With Kids event returns to Paintsville Lake State Park on Friday, June 6 and Saturday, June 7, offering two full days of outdoor recreation, educational activities and family-friendly entertainment—at no cost to participants.
Organizers have expanded the 2025 event with even more attractions for children and teens. Those include a mobile aquarium, live animal exhibits, a mobile science center, and a sensory playground.
Fishing tournaments are on tap for both days, and children will receive free rods, reels, T-shirts, wristbands, buckets and toy bags.
The event opens Friday with “Evening to Shine,” a fishing tournament for children with special needs, ages 4 to 18. Registration begins at 5 p.m., with fishing from 6 to 8 p.m.
Bassmaster Elite Series Pro Angler Matt Robertson and the Shakespeare Team will be there for special needs children Friday. On Saturday they will be on hand to take pictures and sign autographs.
Friday will also feature the return of the sensory playground.
On Saturday, two youth fishing tournaments will take place.
In partnership with Kylie’s Kids Foundation, the kayak fishing event for ages 13 to 18 begins at 7 a.m. On-site registration takes place at the Boardwalk beginning at 6 a.m. First place will be a brand-new $3,000 Kayak. Second through fifth places receive cash. Bring your own kayak, rod and reels, and tackle.
A bank fishing tournament for children ages 4 to 12 follows. Registration is from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. and fishing begins at 9:30 a.m. and concludes at 1 p.m.
This year’s event will take place entirely in the large parking lot at the park. Organizers encourage attendees to bring folding chairs for comfort throughout the day.
Free shuttle services begin at 7 a.m. from Johnson Central High School and Mountain Homeplace. Drop-off will be at the entrance to the event site.
In addition to the fishing competitions, attendees can explore a wide range of interactive exhibits. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Mobile Science Activity Center will offer hands-on learning about agriculture and science.
The “Life Below the Waterline” Mobile Aquarium will showcase native aquatic species.
“Animal Acts,” presented by an adjunct biology instructor from Austin Peay State University, will give children a closer look at local wildlife and their habitats.
Giveaways are a major part of the weekend. Every child will receive a free toy bag courtesy of Christian Appalachian Project, along with fishing gear provided by the Kent Rose Foundation, KYGUNCOMPANY, BassLegends and Lakeside Bait & Tackle.
Live bait will be provided by The Fishing Hole in Staffordsville.
Drinks and free hot dogs will be served throughout the weekend.
Special appearances by Marshall and Skye from PAW Patrol will delight young children.
This year’s special guest is professional angler and motivational speaker Clay Dyer, who will be available throughout the weekend.
The 2025 Casting With Kids event is thanks to the Kent Rose Foundation in partnership with the Casting With Kids Organization. Additional support comes from Christian Appalachian Project, Todd Case Trucking, Diversified Energy, Good360, Toys for Tots, KYGUNCOMPANY and multiple local partners.
Organizers stress that the only thing children need to bring is a big smile.
All events are free and open to the public.