ESPN Freshwater

NEW MADRID, Mo. — This past Saturday, May 31, the Cabela's King Kat Tournament Trail held a qualifying event on the Mississippi River at New Madrid, Mo., where over 350 spectators cheered on their favorite anglers. Although the fishing was tough due to high muddy water and fish starting to spawn, these gallant anglers traveling from eight different states still brought in some impressive weights.

This has become an annual event in New Madrid that has grown each year to the major event it is today. While the anglers were in pursuit of their fish to weigh in, the City of New Madrid was alive with an arts and craft show, the Riverbend Car and Motorcycle show along with many other special events throughout Friday and Saturday. "We wish to give special thanks to Mayor Donnie Brown, Commissioner Brad Kolwyck and all the city officials who helped make the event a huge success. It was a great day to be in New Madrid, with great food, entertainment and the large crowd on hand to cheer on the anglers", said Darrell Van Vactor, CEO of Cabela's King Kat Tournament Trail.

Results
Taking first place was the team of Daryl and Jason Masingale of Paragould, Ark. with a total weight of 89.25 pounds and taking home a check for $3,000. Daryl and Jason were fishing the Mississippi in 15-20 feet of water using skipjack herring fishing behind dykes in medium to heavy current. "These fish were in a pre-spawn pattern and slow to bite due to the high and muddy water conditions," said the team.

Second place went to the team of Lindsay Sample of Cape Girardeau, Mo., and Chris Tramm of Lebanon, Ind., with a weight of 85.15 pounds. Lindsay and Chris were fishing 15 miles south of New Madrid, fishing in 45 feet of water and using skipjack and minnows. Lindsey and Chris also took big fish of the event with a 39.55 pound catfish. The team received $1,200 for second place along with a new Minn Kota trolling motor for big fish of the event.

The well known three-person team of Phil King and Tim Haynes of Corinth, Miss., and Lealon Harris of Rienze, Miss., took third place with 65.25 pounds and received a check for $500. The team made the trip up to the Ohio River at Cairo, Ill., to catch their fish in 25-60 feet of water using skipjack herring on ledges. The team caught their fish between 6:40 and 7:30 a.m.

In fourth place was John Troutt and Chris Stephens of Newbern, Tenn., weighing in 42.35 pounds and taking home $300 for fourth place. John and Chris were fishing the points around Cairo on the Ohio River in 35-45 feet of water using mooneye and skipjack to catch their fish.

In fifth place was the team of Steven Barry of Cape Girardeau, Mo., and Matt Richter of Jackson, Mo., with a total weight of 31.45 pounds.

This has become a major annual event. This area is well known for excellent fishing along with great hospitality. For more information on the area call: 573-748-5300 or visit their website at: www.new-madrid.mo.us.

National Sponsors
Cabela's The World's Foremost Outfitter, Eagle Claw, Eagle Claw Nitro Bait, Tite-Lok Rod Holders and Fishing Accessories, Suzuki Marine, Cruiser RV, SeaArk Boats, Adventure Products EGO Nets, Fling Cast Nets, Humminbird Electronics, Minn Kota Trolling Motors, Vicious Fishing Line, J.R. Mad's Famous Fish Breading, Brotherhood of Catfishermen (B.O.C.), Catfish1.com, Catfishing America TV, Danny King's Catfish Punch Bait and Ron Gooding Insurance.

The following companies have furnished product to make your tournaments possible: Keep Alive Oxygen Infusor and Flip Stick. For entry forms or information on Cabela's King Kat Trail phone 270-395-6774, fax 270-395-4381 or visit our website at www.kingkatusa.com. For media information or photos contact Larry Crecelius at lcrecelius@crappieusa.com or phone 812-525-2707.

Cabela's King Kat Tournament Trail
125 Ruth Ave.
Benton, KY 42025

Outdoor Promotions Inc.
Phone: 270-395-6774
Email: dvanvactor@kingkatusa.com