As fishing for one on Minnesota's top preditor fish, the Flathead and it's smaller cousin the Channel Catfish continues to grow, some like 4 Seasons Sports Shop in Red Wing see the opportunity to really make a splash in the cat fishing world.

This year on June 15th and 16th 4 Seasons will be holding what it hopes to be it first annual catfishing tournement. Not only geared to be a contest of who can hook and land the largest fish in each of the catagories, but also to bring attention to some of the best large catfishing in the Midwest.

Anglers will have to catch the fish and have a plan on how to move the fish that could, in the case of the Mighty Flathead, exceed 50 pounds to the scale without harming it or face a stiff penalty. Then, finally a live release. The Minnesota State record Flathead is 70 pounds.

The Minnesota DNR is starting to realize the passion of the catfish angler as they held three Catfish Work Shops last year. Out of that work shop came the law change where a person can catch a sucker or other rough fish and use it on the same water for bait. Bait is important to the catfish angler. Prior to this change, the angler could take the fish home or release it back into the same waters, but not place it on a hook and angle with it in waters designated AIS infested.

Just as many professional anglers asked the DNR for license fee increases, the cat fishing folks of Minnesota are asking for tighter controls to increase the size and opportunity of fishing for cats.

Hopefully the 4 Seasons Tournement will spark more interest in fishing for a great fighting and tasting fish that swims in many of the Minnesota waters.

Dr Rob Neumann with a 37 pound Flathead Catfish

Here's the details of the tourney from Chris Winchester of 4 Seasons Sports Shop himself....

Hello Everyone.
It is official we are putting together our first catfish tournament. It is open to Pool 3 and 4 of the Mississippi River.

Thanks Chris Winchester
Rules For 2012 4 Seasons Catfish Roundup Tournament
*Entry Fee will be $25/ person. Shore anglers are welcome.
*Tournament will be limited to the first 100 anglers entered.
*Tournament Hours will be 12:00 p.m. (Noon) Friday, June 15th 2012 – 9:00 a.m. Saturday June 16th 2012. Scales will be available at 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m Friday evening and again Saturday morning at 7:00 a.m. Check in with 4 Seasons to ensure upto date details.
*Tournament waters off limits Thursday, June 14th at 8:00 a.m. until Friday June 15th at noon.
*Late weigh in will have a 5% weight Penalty per minute. More than 10 minutes late will be disqualified.
*Weigh in will be at Bay Point Park in Red Wing, MN
*3 Divisions – Largest Flathead Catfish, Largest Channel Catfish, Largest Carp or Buffalo.
*Tournament limit is one fish per species per angler.
*All Fish must be weighed alive and released. 25% weight penalty for dead fish.
*Ties will be broken by a coin flip.
*All fish must be caught by Hook and Line.
*Tournament waters are Pool 3 & 4 of Mississippi River. Shore fishing is permitted.
*Entry Must be received prior to June 8th. $15 Late entry fee after June 8th.
*All Minnesota laws pertain to this event. If you receive a ticket while fishing this event you will be disqualified.
Payout: Based on Full field of 100 anglers. 95%
Payback
Largest Flathead: 1st $500, 2nd $250, 3rd $100, 10th $50 Gift Certificate
Largest Channel : 1st $500, 2nd $250, 3rd $100, 10th $50 Gift Certificate
Largest Rough Fish (Carp or Buffalo) 1st 100 Gift Certificate, 2nd $50 Gift Certificate
$425 in Prizes to be randomly drawn at weigh-in.
To register please Contact 4 Seasons or Chris Winchester for entry form.
Or Download Registration Form HERE<<<
Four Seasons Sports, Attention Chris Winchester, 2301 West Main St, Red Wing MN, 55066
Please call 651-388-4334 or 612-598-7802 with any questions.
Located in Red Wing MN ~ Pool 4 ~ Mississippi River
Ph. 651.388.4334
Monday - Thursday 6-7
Friday and Saturday 6-7
Sunday 6-6