By Pat Treviño, Cuero Online News
The banks of Cuero Lake were busy Thursday morning as DeWitt County 4‑H, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Serve Outdoors, and local volunteers came together to host the 20th Annual Catfish Roundup, a long‑standing event that pairs 4‑H youth with students from Cuero ISD’s Special Education classes for a memorable day of fishing and outdoor learning.
The Catfish Roundup has become one of the county’s most anticipated spring traditions, offering students the chance to experience the excitement of catching fish from a specially stocked section of the lake. According to organizers, the event is designed to build confidence, encourage hands‑on learning, and create meaningful connections between youth participants and the community members who support them.
Throughout the morning, 4‑H members assisted students with baiting hooks, casting lines, and reeling in catfish. The teamwork paid off—two full ice chests were filled by the end of the event, marking one of the most successful Roundups in recent years.
Following tradition, the fish caught during the event will be prepared for the students’ annual fish fry, giving participants the chance to enjoy the very catch they worked for. The fish fry has become a celebratory capstone to the day, reinforcing the sense of accomplishment and joy shared by everyone involved.
While the Catfish Roundup is not widely covered in statewide media, local reports and community posts consistently highlight the event as a meaningful example of 4‑H leadership, outdoor education, and service‑based learning. The program aligns with the broader mission of Texas 4‑H, which emphasizes hands‑on experiences, youth development, and community engagement.
Organizers expressed gratitude for the volunteers, agencies, and youth who make the event possible each year. With two decades now behind it, the Catfish Roundup continues to stand as a testament to what collaboration, mentorship, and outdoor education can accomplish in DeWitt County.