Where? When? Catfish Tournament?

[Fun-Outdoors]

I have talked to a lot of fishermen on different lakes around central Ohio. I was wondering what all of you think.

What lake would you like to see a catfish tournament held on? One you would participates in?

What night would you most like the tournament to be held on?

What hours do you think would be best for you to participate in a tournament?

Is there even an interest in another catfish tournament?

[mossboss]

I would like to see it at hoover.I know of several others that have boats docked there that would love it! I would say a saturday night would be best from 7 to midnight or so.Most of my friends have pontoon boats there an dont move them from hoover all year.Just a thought.

[chuck4]

I would like to see a tournament of some sort. I think the best all around lake would be Buckeye. I would love to have a large 15 to 30 boat event every weekend. Maybe even rotate between lakes. I have fished tourneys on the Ohio and Muskingum rivers and they were fun and competitive. I am going to try to make it to the Oshay tourney soon and check it out. Good fishin!

[Fun-Outdoors]

I was thinking about boats only to start out. I guess several large tournaments allow both boat and shore fishing.

I wanted to know about everyone’s thought, because I believe this group should be able to get more than three to five boats out for a tournament. I also think advertising around bait shops, like the Dutchman or buckeye lake shops, might bring in a couple of outsiders both to the tournaments and the site.

Let me know how you feel about non-boaters in the tournament

[fisherman]

if you do boats only what you going to do for the ones that don't own boats ?take for example me. i'm still looking for a boat like a 12to 14 foot alum.

[Fun-Outdoors]

That is why I'm asking. To find out what people would like to see happen.
Since we only have a couple replies I'm not sure about it.

I've got a couple of sponsors already if we can show that there will be a good turnout. Just trying to find out what when where etc.

All input would help. Good or bad.

[chuck4]

I know several people who would be interested in a tournament in central ohio. I think that many of the local Bass guys would try it if we could keep it away from the popular Bass tourney dates. If enough boats enter on a regular basis and the payout gets bigger it will attract attention. I know it is not unusual to have 25-30 boats a tournament along the Ohio river. Maybe with some more input from other catters we could get something started which would include both bank an boat fisherman. I am friends with the owners of the Fishermans Wharehouse and know that they catfish often as well. I will mention the idea to them and see what interest they have in helping to promote some sort of event. Good Luck!

[Fun-Outdoors]

I sure would like to hear from some other people.

[leckig]

i would come and watch it if it was at hoover and from the shore - I think it is a good learning opportunity

[grant]

I have been fishing in catfish tournaments in Ohio for close to twenty years. Most of those have been at Grand Lake St. Marys, one of our better catfish lakes. I have seen the tournements grow from their begining into a very competitive and well run event(s). Anyone interested can look at the results from these on eastbankmarina.com. The contests started out being sponsered and run by the Outdoorsman (bait and tackle shop in St.Marys). These tournaments are run like bass tournaments and attract 60 plus teams in every event. They are held one Saturday a month from March-September with an invitational in the fall. You get points for entering each one and points for your catch. The rules are simple. 2 poles (standard st. regs) limit of 10 fish (LIVE) and the weigh in is at the Marina. These are well run and extremely popular. Even on a bad night it is fun to watch people bring in their catch. I have fished in many in the snow and ice in March and April and it doesn't stop people from bringing in their limits. Buckey would be ideal for this same type of fun.
The tournaments are open for boats or bank fishing so anyone could get involved. There is a ploygraph test for the winner that is set up throught the St.Mary's police dept. if there is a question. The best I have done is second (600 payout) and did not have to do that part. The marina keeps all records for everyone and you can check on line to see where you stand. The more you enter the better. The cost is 40 for a two person team and they generally run 12-6 in March and April, 4-10 in May, and 6-12 in the summer months. All fish must be in line to weigh by 12:45. If you are late they do not count. There is a big fish pot as well and I have seen 1.2 lb winner and a 30lb winner. All catfish count, channels, flathead and bullhead. Sometimes that last little bullhead means the difference bewteen winning and not!
They are called the Catmaster Classics. I have never really seen many people in bass boats fishing these tournaments but I am sure some would. Most of these guys fish cats above all else and are not really interested in little Ohio bass.

[Fun-Outdoors]

Good information

Thanks

[Smokin Joker]

I would definatly be ininterested. I like the team aspect as catfishin can be slow at times, so a teamate to chat with would be a plus. I am a bank fisherman for now and that would have to be allowed for me to fish.

I did not know about the tourneys at Grand Lake. Really dont make it up there much as I should.

Sounds like a good time!!!

Fish On
Brian

[FINMAN]

I'm a cat fan. I think my ideal catfish tournament would be on Alum Creek. 12 hours, say 8 PM Friday night to 8 AM Saturday morning. Two person teams, 10 fish limit. 25 bucks to enter, bank or boat. All Ohio fishing regulations apply. Pay out for top 4 or 5 spots. Police sponsored polygraph to collect the winning pot.

[fishingohio]

See my post on our Burr Oak Tournament.

This is our 4th Tournament this year. They have been successful with over 50 in the last tournament.

[Smokin Joker]

I refuse to answer any questions about preformance inhancing substances :D .

Brian

[FINMAN]

...it can't conflict with the O'Shaughnessey catfish tournament schedule. I'm sticking with that one. A good bunch of guys, and the location is convienient.

Are you guys planning on entering the next one, Robert? If so, don't be surprised if you smell some of your 'nasty' bait if you get near my boat.

And now that I have Jeff's favorite spot programmed into the Lowrance....
(just kidding, man :D :D :D)

[Fun-Outdoors]

We were not going to schedule on the same weekends as the O’Shay tourney.

We might be there but not sure yet. You’ll know by the smell if we show up. God bait isn’t it?