Kids Fishing Day - September 17th, 2011
Warren Weston - President
Carl Weston - WeighMaster
Red Moore - Tournament MC/Staff Secretary
Chris Boaze - Photography/ Production/Programming
Top Boy: #39 Parker Cothell 30.12 lbs. Blue catfish
Top Girl: #96 Katie Hentley 6.94 lbs. Blue catfish
Top Overall: #39 Parker Cothell 30.12 lbs. Blue catfish
First Place Girls
0-6 Years: #69 Nicole Stien 4.82 Bowfin
7-10 Years: #96 Katie Hently 6.94 Blue catfish
11-13 Years: #7 Morgan tharpe 1.78 lbs. Blue catfish
First Place Boys
0-6 Years: #39 Parker Cothell 30.12 lbs. Blue catfish
7-10 Years: #94 Antwan Boyd 2.82 lbs. Channel catfish
11-13 Years: #95 Travis Hensley 10.10 lbs. Blue catfish
Total Kids: 225
Weighed 83 Fish - Total 87.50 lbs.
Top Five Weight 49.64 lbs.
Average Top Five Weight 9.93 lbs
Showdown History
Seven years ago, a group of dedicated tournament
catfishermen joined forces to create what is known today as
the largest catfish tournament on the East Coast.
Warren Weston and John Moore started The Catfish Showdown
in May of 2003. The catfish tournaments are located at
Kerr/Buggs Island Lake. Anglers travel from far away states
to fish the tournaments for a chance to catch, weigh and
release an award winning catfish.
Most of the tournament regulars are the average fishermen
out for a little fun and relaxation at a minimum cost.
There's a lot of fun and bang for the buck with the large
numbers that enter these tournaments. What's more, catch
and release catfishing events are few and far between!
Kids Day Founder
Kids day was founded in 2003 by a very special member of
The Catfish Showdown. Mr. Ray Jones, greatly known as "Hoghead," came up with the idea to give our youth a chance
to enjoy that same great feeling of catching a fish while
having a great time.
Ray Jones was appointed the MC and secretary position by
Warren Weston and John Moore. His great passion for seeing
that kids are our future is what makes the kids day so
successful today.
Ray was introduced to Kerr/Buggs Island Lake in 1974 by a
man named "Mac" who also owned Mac's Guide Service. Ray and
Mac met at the Lake Hotel in Clarksville. The two discussed
their chances of getting together later for a day of
fishing.
The following day, the two were on the water and anchored
at the mouth of Bluestone. After a short while, they moved
up to Bowman's Garage to search for Bass and Crappie. As
time moved on, Ray and Mac became close friends.
Mac eventually shared all his fishing secrets with Ray. It
didn't take long before he learned a great deal about
fishing at Buggs Island from a good man that knew how to
fish the lake successfully, and safely.
Kids Day History
In 2003, 85 kids came out to be a part of the first annual
event held at the Staunton View Day-use area on the lake.
However, Hurricane Isabel arrived on the event date. The
entire area of Staunton View received high water and storm
damage. This caused the tournament to move back two weeks.
The turnout was a bit low, but all who attended that
beautiful day had a wonderful time. The next year proved
more promising by a large amount of support from the local
businesses and community. Donations doubled from 2003 to
2004. In 2004, the numbers increased to 144 kids. On
September 10, 2005 the lake banks were filled with 220 kids
and their families.
In 2006, there were 310 kids. In 2007, the event swelled to
380 kids. The 2008 kids day had 454 registered kids fishing
with their family and friends around the shore lines of
Staunton View Park. It was estimated that 1,200 people
attended last year's event. In all, there were 414 registered
kids and 1,214 people in attendance at the 2009 event. The
2010 event had 267 kids with 610 people in attendance. The
2011 event had 225 kids with 482 people in attendance.
The kids get gift bags full of goodies, and everyone gets
to eat a free lunch. The kids get to choose different
flavors of snow cones and drinks. They even receive
trophies for weighing a fish with plenty of prizes. In
fact, there are tons of toys, girls and boys bikes given
away throughout the day.
Registration starts at 7:00 AM until 8:00 AM. The
ceremonial singing of the National Anthem is performed by
kids. After a moment of prayer comes the official launch of
the kids fishing tournament. From 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM,
hundreds of kids spread around the banks to try and catch
any species of fish. All fish that are brought to the
scales are weighed. Prizes are awarded for boys and girls,
ages 13 and under.
The idea of making it into a tournament, but built for kids
paves the way for massive support from community
sponsorship at all levels.
Kids Day Includes:
- 5- Moonwalks
- Hay Search
- Dunking Booth
- Goldfish Pools
- Face Painting
- Clowns
- Smokey The Bear
- Fire Truck
- Water Games
- Awards/Prizes
- Free Lunch
Professional State and Federal Agencies return every year to provide free literature, tools, water safety, and information about Kerr/Buggs Island Lake. They include:
- - Army Corps Of Engineers
- - Mecklenburg Sheriff Department
- - Charlotte County Soil and Water
- - Virginia Department of Forestry
First Place, Biggest Fish!:
Parker Cothell sets a Kids Fishing Day tournament record with a huge 30.12 lbs. Blue catfish, and overall winner in his class. Although we experienced light showers and cooler temperatures, the turnout was great. Overall, 225 kids were registered with 83 fish weighed in for a grand total of 87.50 lbs. We want to express our sincere gratitude for those who sponsored this event. And to all our volunteers and staff for making this tournament safe, fun, and successful.. ....Take a Kid Fishing!
