The Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce has a new listing on their Calendar of Events. For the first time ever the Bass Pro Shops Big Cat Quest (BCQ) will bring their tournament trail to Florida. Local and area catfish anglers will have the opportunity to test their skills against some of the best travelling catfish anglers in the business. Interestingly enough, the local anglers usually have the best chance of winning because of their knowledge of local waters.
This year’s tour will visit Tennessee, Virginia, Mississippi, Georgia, Illinois, Alabama, Missouri and Texas. Calhoun County is the only Florida stop on the schedule. The Florida stop is part of a grassroots tournament schedule that makes up a national catfishing trail.
“BCQ creates competitions in various cities and towns where local anglers are able to participate,” explained tournament organizer Ken Freeman. “Participation by the local anglers gives them a chance to qualify for the national championship later in the year. The tournament also gives the towns an opportunity to get involved in the bigger picture of promoting the growing sport of catfishing.”
The overnight event will be staged on July 16 and 17, 2016. It begins at 6:00 PM on the 16th and ends at noon the next day. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend the weigh-in at Neal Landing, 15929 SE River St, Blountstown, FL.
Three-time BCQ Angler of the Year, Larry Muse, recognizes the advantage of local anglers and views the Calhoun County competition as a challenge. “I’m going to approach fishing in Florida like any new place,” suggested Muse. “I will show up with skipjack and try to feed it to something big. I’ll be depending on my ability to think on my feet and adjust to local conditions to pull off a good finish.”
“BCQ has never been in Florida,” continued Muse. “We have been near, but Eufaula Alabama is as close as I know of. The nighttime part is what will probably beat me because I don’t fish at night. I’m sure I’ll find something to fish that I like. I love a good challenge and Calhoun County will probably be a good one.”
Although Florida is not known for big blue cats, it has a growing reputation for good flathead fishing. Florida anglers like Glenn Flowers are constantly fishing for the big flatheads and showing others what Florida has to offer.
Flowers even goes live on Facebook occasionally with one of his nighttime exploits in search of big flatties. He also operates websites that help catfish anglers learn more about the sport. The passion of anglers like Muse and Flowers are helping propel the sport of catfishing to new and higher levels.
Registration will take place July 16, 2016 (day of the tournament) from 2 PM to 6 PM. Look for the Bass Pro weigh-in trailer at Neal Landing in Blountstown. The weigh-in will take place at the same location on Sunday with scales opening at 10 PM.
Trailering will be allowed for anglers to fish the stretch of river from Woodruff Dam at Chattahoochee all the way to Apalachicola. The overnight fishing ends at noon and anglers must have their boats on the trailer and in the weigh-in line no later than 1 PM on Sunday or be disqualified.
Lodging accommodations have been arranged with the Microtel by Wyndham at 4959 Whitetail Drive, Marianna, FL. Call 850-526-5005 to make a reservation. They are offering a special Big Cat Quest tournament rate.
Kristy H. Terry, Executive Director Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce invites everyone out to witness and welcome the first BCQ tournament to Florida. Mark your calendar and come to the weigh-in on Sunday, July 17th. You just might see the catfish of a lifetime.
If you have any questions about BCQ contact Ken Freeman at 731-234-1888. Follow the BCQ Website and the BCQ Facebook Page for more information, updates, results and photos from the tournament.
For information on visiting the area you can browse the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce Website.