Fisherman's fantasy: Winning the Catfish Derby
By TRACIE SIMER - tsimer@jacksonsun.com

February 27, 2007 - Since Jan. 19, participants have been headed to the lakes and rivers of the state, hoping to catch the big one in a six-week-long weighing competition. The derby leads up to the ultimate event, the catfish championship tournament at Pickwick Landing State Park.

The event was moved from July to March this year.

Despite the colder weather, it has not kept people from striving for the prize.

"The weather makes it harder to catch them, but I still go out," said Jerry Matlock, 57, of Adamsville. "As long as the wind isn't too strong and there isn't any lightning, I'll be fishing. The cold and rain don't bother me."

Matlock and his brother, Rick, 48, hope to form one of the teams for Saturday's tournament, and he and others look forward to what organizers call the oldest-running catfish tournament in the country.

"I'm not sure when this started, but it's the oldest time-tested tournament we know of," said Ken Freeman, organizer of the event and owner of Ken Freeman Outdoor Promotions. "Now it's a part of the Bass Pro Shops Big Cat Quest national trail. It's not like any other thing out there."

One of the things that sets this competition apart is the derby Freeman holds before the tournament.

Participants bring their catches to Ken-Tucky One Stop in Counce or Pick-Wick Pro Bass in Savannah to weigh their fish.

The biggest fish each week wins a $100 cash prize. At the end of the six weeks, the biggest fish will receive a $500 cash prize.

More than 117 teams from 17 states and Brazil took part in last year's derby, where temperatures registered in the high 90s. But the weather was only one reason for the scheduling change.

"We moved the derby to March so we could start the year with a big event," Freeman said. "We should have better weather, but this time of year usually produces bigger, better catfish in this region."

Everyone is on a level playing field once the tournament begins at Pickwick Landing State Park, he said.

The day begins at 6 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m. All participants need to be in line to weigh their fish by 4 p.m.

Everyone can weigh-in up to five fish, with a guaranteed 10-place cash payback, he said.

The top 10 placements in the tournament will win cash prizes ranging from $6,000 for first place to $500 for 10th place. The participant who catches the biggest fish will win a boat.

Fishing for catfish is a pastime growing in popularity, Freeman said. "I think it's become popular through TV exposure on my show and others."

His show, "Ken Freeman Outdoors," airs at 6:30 a.m. Saturdays on WBBJ, channel 7.

"Also, catfish fishing is more appealing to the everyday, blue-collar American. You don't need a fancy fishing boat to fish. Anyone can do it. The size of the catch makes it popular for people to come see as well."

His reasons for holding such a tournament run deep.

"I grew up fishing with my dad. Fishing is my whole life. I spent a good part of my life on the river," Freeman said. "It's a passion of mine. I've done competitive bass fishing, but catfish fishing is my true love. I find more enjoyment in it."

For Matlock, fishing takes his mind off of everything, he said.

"It's peaceful and pleasant. It's good therapy for the head."

Freeman encourages everyone to come out to Pickwick State Park for the day, even just to watch.

"People get little time to see such quality fish. I've seen some weigh more than 100 pounds," he said. "We'll also have the world's largest mobile fish tank there so everyone can have an opportunity to see the large catfish."

Some of the fish caught during the competition will be displayed in the tank. All fish will be released back into the water after the derby is over, he said.

Registration is open until 9 p.m. Friday. The cost to participate is $200.

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- Tracie Simer, 425-9629