King Kat Tournament anglers travel to Gallipolis

Anglers in the event will be testing their catfishing skills against other anglers and whatever Mother Nature has in store. Opportunities for big catfish attract angers to this area often. They target both big blues and flatheads in the productive waters of these rivers.

How to Enter: Teams may consist of one or two anglers, with a third allowed if the angler is under the age of 16 or over 65 years of age. Early registration can be accomplished on the King Kat website at https://www.kingkatusa.com/Tournament_Registration.cfm. Teams may also enter by calling 502-384-5924 or by entering at the mandatory pre-tournament seminar on the night before the tournament begins. Late entries are subject to a $25 late fee.

Participating anglers must be a member of the King Kat Association (KKA). Membership is $30 for adults and $15 for spouse and youth memberships. Other membership levels are outlined on the King Kat website. Each membership will include a subscription to the official publication of the King Kat Association, one of the top catfishing fishing publications in the nation.

Registration and Seminar: A pre-tournament seminar will be held the day before the tournament at Super 8, 321 Upper River Road in Gallipolis. Sign-ups will begin at 5 p.m. The Seminar and National Sponsor Field Test Product Drawing starts at 7 p.m. local time. This seminar is open to the public. Those individuals not fishing the event are encouraged to attend and meet top catfish anglers from several different states.

The Weigh-In Site: The tournament weigh-in will be held on Saturday at Gallipolis City Park Boat Ramp, beginning at 3 p.m. This is the perfect opportunity for non-competitors to learn how the big ones are caught. Interviews of the top 5 teams are conducted following the weigh-in at the host lodging site, the Super 8, 321 Upper River Rd., Gallipolis, (740-446-8080). The number of rooms in the area may be limited. It is recommended that participants make their reservations early.

A free Catfish Kids Fishing Rodeo will be held in conjunction with the tournament. Sign up is Saturday morning at Gallipolis Boat Ramp.

The event is free of charge and open to all youth 12 years old and younger. All participating children must be accompanied by an adult. Sign up is from 8 to 9 a.m. with fishing from 9 until 11 a.m. The Fishing Rodeo is a chance for children of the area to get out and enjoy nature, do a little fishing and win some prizes. All participants are eligible for a chance to win one of six $1,000 scholarships presented by Outdoor Promotions. The scholarships are awarded annually at the Cabela’s King Kat Classic.

Outdoor Promotions and participating anglers have contributed $360,000 to youth scholarships since 1997. They are very proud to be a part of the education process for the youngsters who participate in the tournaments as adult/youth teams and those who fish in the Outdoor Promotions Kids Fishing Rodeos.

According to Kaitlynn Halley, Gallia County Convention and Visitors Bureau Assistant Director, it is hoped that those attending the event will take the opportunity to enjoy the local attractions.

For more information on the championship and other King Kat activities visit their website at www.kingkatusa.com. Anglers can also follow the trail on the King Kat Facebook Page.