2007 National Catfish Derby

The National Catfish Derby officially began January 19 with a six-week fishing rodeo in Savannah and ending March 3 with the World Championship of Catfishing at Pickwick Landing State Park.

The weather for the Catfish Derby has always been a challenge, but usually on the other end of the thermometer. Last year’s tournament saw temperatures in the mid to upper 90s. But the change of date for 2007 will also bring cooler temperatures and possibly bigger catfish.

The Sportsman Division is the most popular of the Derby's rodeo - a simple, free, no-entry-fee contest where anglers catch catfish on a rod and reel and weigh-in at official National Catfish Derby Weigh-In sites including Tenn-Tucky One Stop in Savannah and Pickwick Pro-Bass in Counce. The largest weigh-in of the week receives the weekly prize of $100. Fishermen may enter as many fish as they like each week at official weigh-in sites.

Savannah, Tennessee, is known as “The Catfish Capitol of the World.” Through The National Catfish Derby's events, Hardin County's national recognition in the fishing industry grows exceedingly each year. This year boasts one of the richest catfish tournaments in United States history with The World Championship of Catfishing. The first place prize is $6,000 cash and is followed with a guaranteed combined purse of over $12,000 cash and a new boat for the big fish of the tournament. A $1,000 prize will also be awarded in the Senior (55 & Up), Ladies, and Youth (17 & Under) divisions.

This year’s National Catfish Derby has already been recognized and featured in several magazines across the United States including Catfishing Now, Texas Fish & Game, In Fisherman, and Mid-South Hunting and Fishing. Sports writers from these magazines are expected to be in attendance at this year’s tournament in order to provide full coverage of the event.

“In Fisherman magazine has called the National Catfish Derby the ‘Daytona 500 of Catfishing’ and this event is found no where else in the United States and I hope this year is bigger and better than ever. After all the best is yet to come,“ said Ken Freeman, owner of the National Catfish Derby and Ken Freeman Outdoor Promotions.