The announcement of a catfish tournament in Calhoun County, FL is raising the excitement level of local and traveling catfish anglers. For weekend road warriors it is an opportunity to visit and fish in Florida, something almost anyone likes to experience. For local anglers the tournament is a good way to showcase Florida catfishing which is getting better year by year.
In an earlier release it was suggested that the primary fishing would be for flathead catfish. Evidence suggests that there are plenty of the flatties available for catching, but responses from local angers suggested they won’t be the only target. There are also big blues roaming the tournament waters which stretch from Woodruff Dam at Chattahoochee all the way to Apalachicola.
“The water at the tournament boat ramp is not tidal,” said local angler Ronnie Dixon (AKA “Catfish Ronnie”). Dixon lives in Cypress, FL, just about 10 minutes from the river. “As you move closer to the Gulf the river is tidal. Anglers should bring plenty of bait and fish the Apalachicola just like they fish any other river.”
Dixon has plenty of experience on the Apalachicola. “I’ve been hitting the Apalachicola every weekend for about 10 years now,” continued Dixon. “The fish seem to be getting bigger and bigger. More anglers are practicing catch and release. The practice is having an impact on the fishery. I think releases of 80 and 90 pounders will become more common in a few short years.”
Tournament hours include both day and night fishing. Dixon differentiates between daylight and nighttime fishing. “If I am targeting blues at night, I like to set up across from sandbars or flats,” explained Dixon. “The big blues travel from deeper water to shallow at night to feed. During the day I’ll set up on ledges and deep holes.”
Dixon fishes by the “big bait, big fish” rule. “My theory is that big bait catches big fish, so big chunks of skipjack and shad are my go-to baits. I rig Shimano Reels on 7 foot American Spirit Nite-Stiks.”
“This river has a lot of snags,” warned Dixon. “I spool up with 50- to 100-pound braid. This allows me to get my sinkers back when snagged. I use 80-pound leader and 10/0 circle hooks with a float on the leader to keep the bait off the bottom.”
Dixon also offered one piece of safety advice. “Use caution while you are running the river. The Apalachicola does get shallow in spots.”
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. The scales will open at 10:00 AM, but most of the check-ins are expected to be closer to the end of fishing around noon.
Trailering is allowed, but fishing must end 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 offered a special welcome to anglers and guests to Calhoun County. “We are proud to host the tournament and look forward to welcoming participants to Calhoun County. We are rich in natural resources here and the Apalachicola River is our life blood. Events like the Big Cat Quest support our eco-tourism goals and benefit our local economy. We invite all guests to #shopcalco while here, and enjoy your time in Calhoun County!”
Mark your calendar and come to the weigh-in on Sunday, July 17th. The scales are likely to be heavy with big flathead and blue catfish. It will be exciting to see who the first BCQ Florida Champion will be.
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.
Photos courtesy “Catfish Ronnie” Dixon.