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.
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.
