In only its second year the Winter Blues on Wheeler (WBW) has become a popular and often talked about catfish tournament. The unexpected turnout at last year’s inaugural event laid the foundation for an even bigger event in 2016. Anglers from 11 states started their New Year in Rogersville, AL. in 2015. A total of nearly 90 anglers and 34 boats made the trek to Rogersville to spend some time chasing big Wheeler Blues. Those numbers surprised and delighted the originators and made them scramble to accommodate the visiting catfish anglers.
Winter Blues on Wheeler is the brainchild of Daniel Parsons, Director of the Alabama Catfish Trail (ACT) and Chuck Davidson, cohost of Catfish Weekly. “Winter Blues came from a collaboration with a fellow catfish enthusiast,” reported Parsons. “Chuck and I have been friends for 5 years now. We met through catfishing, with a mutual interest in growing the sport within the state of Alabama.”
“Chuck had the idea of having a winter tournament on one of the greatest bodies of water in the state, and arguably the greatest nation-wide” continued Parsons. “After getting my feet wet running the Alabama Catfish Trail for a year, I decided to give it a shot. I was quite overwhelmed with the national response.”
That overwhelming response at the 2015 WBW caused Parsons and his associates to start planning immediately for the 2016 event so they could be ready for an even larger turnout in 2016. “Doubling attendance from last year is an acceptable expectation that I have,” said Parsons.
In anticipation of that larger number of anglers several changes have been made . . . By Ron Presley
For more information, including a complete set of rules, visit the website at alabamacatfishtrail.com and click on the Winter Blues tab at the top of the page. Other information can by found on the Alabama Catfish Trail Facebook Page. Parsons can be reached at (205) 209-2794.