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Catfish Derby Holds Royal Court in Tennessee and Crowns two New Kings!
Once upon a time in the land of the catfish, known as Savannah, Tennessee, in the county of Hardin, the oldest, most prestigious catfish tournament, The National Catfish Derby, The World Championship of Catfishing was held on July 15th, 2006. Bringing the tournament to town, starting 5 weeks earlier, was owner Ken Freeman and Ken Freeman Outdoor Promotions along with P.C.A. and Tennessee Tourism. He brought the promise of $20,000.00 in cash and prizes and the right to be crowned World Champion of Catfishing. This contest had only begun to take flight in to the destiny it is to become.
The anglers numbering 204 came to participate, waiting for the end of the day when a new king would be named from among their 102 boats. The day was hot and muggy with temperatures soaring to near 100 degrees. Through poor fishing conditions on a late Tennessee River spawn, the anglers would struggle to set themselves apart as the best of the best.
In attendance at the glorious event were Tennessee royalty themselves, Susan Whitaker, Tennessee Tourism Commissioner along with her court of Regional Director of Marketing for Southwest Tennessee, Marty Marbly and Mary Beth Hopper, Southwest Tennessee Tourism Director. A special guest appearance was made by Randy Rinks, Tennessee State Representative. They all came to observe the festivities. The crowd and court were entertained by Joe Sinns and his band, which put on a wonderful performance. A great steed in the form of the Coca-Cola Vault Truck was present. Throughout the week prior to Saturday Ken Freeman Outdoor Promotions put on several contests to coincide with the main event. The debut of an annual event was the Golf Scramble on Wednesday at Shiloh Falls Golf Course. The Catfish Cook-Off came back and was a huge success. Ronnie Strickland was named the official Royal Chef as he took first place in all three categories of catfish, hushpuppy and slaw. Next year even more fun is planned.
Crowning the king would not be the only recognition given at the Catfish Derby. A special award was presented to Commissioner Susan Whitaker. For all his outstanding devotion and development in catfishing, the Mr. Whiskers Trophy was given to the emperor himself, Bill Dance who also fished the tournament with his partner, James "Big Cat" Patterson. A plaque and T-shirt declaring what kind of guy James "Snuffy" Smith could be, was awarded in appreciation by Ken for all of Snuffy's support throughout the years. The R.L. Haynie Award was presented to the overall Big Fish weekly weigh-in winner David Shipman of Corinth, Ms., as well as other awards and cash to the 5 weekly weigh-in winners.
In the early part of the day, the contestants began to come in and bring their mighty catches. To the platform a team of men walked with a large bucket filled with fish, Daniel Lee and David Cornwell. They placed their history making conquest upon the scales, the numbers glowed and the crowd gasped and then applauded. The weight was an incredible 88.30 pounds! It was early in the day. Would these fish hold first place? Other teams came and went throughout the afternoon placing their fish in the huge mobile tank so all could see their triumph. Even with the team of Beningfield and Runner with 81 pounds total and the Big Fish Title won by Runner, did not surpass as this team took 3rd place overall. A note in history as the Big Fish was awarded to the youngest recipient ever. Coming in 5th with a weight total of 47.50 was the team of Ferguson and Lambert. 62.70 was poundage enough to capture fourth spot brought in by Three time Derby King, Phil King and Tim Haynie. Runner-up to first place was local favorites Keith Sellers and Ricky Matlock with an amazing 84.80 pounds and second place. The Senior Award was given to the team of Beningfield and Runner. The Lady Angler prize was received by Ledbetter and Ledbetter. The first time Young Angler Award was presented to the son and father team of Oakley and Oakley. What a day as all the prizes and awards were doled out, but the crowd observed in respectful silence as Ken Freeman declared David Cornwell and Daniel Lee the winners. The title of World Champion of Catfishing was dubbed upon their shoulders and the new kings of 2006 were crowned. What a glorious day for all!
Ken thanked the audience and expressed all his gratitude to his sponsors, who always make the Catfish Derby possible. The sun set upon the scene with smiles all around. Everyone had a good time and Ken looking out on it all said, '….and to think the best is still yet to come."
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