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Hi !firstname,

Welcome and thank you for subscribing to The Catfish Showdown Newsletter. It's nothing else to say, but Wow what a opening tournament. The day was an absolute success. We weighed in our first tournament record with a 60.86 lb Blue Cat caught by 1st place - first time winner Shannon Cates.

He said he caught this ol'hawg on 18" gizzard shad around the bluestone area. They used unique rigging where the 3 ounce homemade sinkers gently floats six feet from a tennis ball, attached with bait and bobber style. This technique, along with taking time to scout the lake prior to fishing the tournament paid off big time.

We look forward to another tournament on May 19th, and while the lake and weather seems to be looking great, we expect another excellent turnout. Catfish Anglers from all over now are getting excited, not only because of what they see being displayed on the new website, but from the passion to try and beat the current 60.86 lb record and get their picture and name recognition in the record books.

Registration will begin at around 1:30 - All boat captains are required to attend the captains meeting at 4:30 PM EST. The 2007 Tournament hours are 5:00 PM EST - 12:00 Midnight. The weigh-in scales will open from 8:00 PM - 12:00 Midnight.

see ya'll at the scales and hope you enjoy this issue.

To Your Catfishing Success
John Moore,Warren Weston
The Catfish Showdown

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In this Issue
1.Welcome Message
2.Tournament Dates
3.Feature Article
4.Catfish Cooking
5.Catfish Tips
6.Subscribe/Unsubscribe

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2.Tournament Dates

2007 Catfish Showdown Tournament Schedule

Location: Staunton Boat Ramp - Red Oak, Va Off highway 15 - few mile north of Clarksville.

All of these dates will be night time dates."5pm-midnight" Rain/bad weather dates will be the following Saturday night for each event.

April 21st
May 19th
June 23rd
August 18th
Kid's Fishing Day - September 22nd

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3.Feature Article

My Interview with an ol'timer

During one of our catfish tournaments I took advantage of a few free minutes to chat with Mr. Ray Jones, known as "Hoghead." I seized the
moment to pick the brain of an angler and valued sportsman with over 35 years experience fishing Kerr Lake/Buggs Island.

Here's what Mr. Jones had to say...

Well Steven, so you want to ask me some questions?

Since I have been fishing this lake over the past 35 years, I've had the pleasure to fish with two types of anglers. one is your professionals and the others are lucky!

The professionals always caught the most fish. I've fished everything from Walleye to Grinnell not too far from this very boat ramp. We caught a lot of 20-30 lb catfish, not like the size you see caught today. Back then the lake was still young. The catfish you see caught today might be some of those fish we landed back then. You're
talking about 35 years and 30 lb's more fish now. That's a big difference.

You asked me how I was introduced to Buggs Island - that was back in 1974 when I met up with "Mac" from Mac's Guide Service. We met at the Late Hotel, then the next day Mac anchored at the mouth of Bluestone and then moved up to Bowman's garage to search for Bass and Crappie. As we became closer friends, Mac eventually shared his
fishing secrets with me. I learned a great deal about Buggs Island from a good man that knew how to fish this lake.

During my trips back to see Mac, I met the luckiest man in the world when it come to catfishing. Pappa Smurf and myself had some times
catfishing. I remember one trip he landed a 20 lb white catfish. It was beautiful with pink eyes. It almost matched Pappa Smurf's grey hair and beard. He was the luckiest, I thought, because no matter what kind of fishing we were doing, he landed the most I've ever seen one man catch. If it rained, high water, or downright nasty weather, he caught them over, and over.

We caught the biggest 100 yards up in the Dan River from the mouth or split at Staunton. It was a nice 57 lb Blue Cat. Our bait of choice back then were gold fish, bream, and chicken breast. Shad was a little scarce so we improvised. Now you got shad all over place measuring anywhere from 10-20 inches long and four inches wide. That makes a huge difference, too, here at Buggs Island. If you're going to catch big fish, you gotta use big bait!

My favorite reel is still my Garcia 6500 clicker on a Garcia Rod, heavy action with 40 lb Trilene Big Game line. My rig of choice is the "tickle
stick." It's an 18" - 24" stainless hollow rod about 1/4 inch in diameter. You run your line through the rod and tie on a egg sinker to the
top of the stick. Run another line to a three way swivel with a 5'-6' leader. Throw it out and let it settle, then pick up your rod tip and walk the stick. This sends a signal to the catfish where it aggravates them to bite.

All the fishermen back then respected one another at Buggs Island. We have such a great resource here such as; Duck, Geese, Raccoon, Deer, Turkey and most of all fishing. You mentioned Smith Mountain and Kerr Lake, the biggest difference between Smith Mountain and Buggs Island is the depth of the water. Catfish thrive in a water
source that's flowing with current. Smith Mountain doesn't have river current, it has lake current and deep water. It makes if very hard to
fish for cats at that depth.

I honestly think if we can keep practicing catch and release, then we should have something good for our future generations to enjoy. And I think technology will make a difference as it will make the modern gear more efficient. You've got fishing gear now that's easier to use and
stronger line than ever to land bigger fish. It's amazing to see all this gear that anglers show up with, but that's what it takes if you want to land these big ol'hogs that are in these waters.

Even though it's difficult to go fishing while in this wheelchair, I still cherish every moment I've had over the years fishing with these guys.
A lot of great memories were created not too far from here at Staunton boat ramp. It's nothing better in this world than to listen to a clicker going off. It puts me and the catfish in a "grab it - eat it mode."

ShadHawg

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4.Catfish Cooking

Catfish fillets, Seasoning measurements are based on 8 fillet servings, add or reduce depending on serving sizes.

3/4 tsp. lemon-pepper
3/4 tsp. garlic-pepper
1/4 tsp. cayene-pepper
salt
black pepper
1 egg for every 2 fillets

1. Add all the seasonings into a mixing bowl with the eggs.

2.Then put your fish in the egg-seasoning mix and let set in the fridge for 5 hrs.

3. Take the fillets out of the egg and into some flour seasoned with salt and pepper.

4. Sprinkle some more lemon pepper on top of the flour covered fillets.

5. Put them in a deep-fryer for about 7-10 min depending on size.

6. After they are done put them on some paper towels to let grease drain off.

7. Then enjoy with your favorite side dish.

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5.Catfish Tips

If you have any tips, tricks or articles that you would like to share in this newsletter, please send them to: admin@thecatfishshowdown.com

We would like to start recognizing our members by sharing their talents and skills.

Subject= Tips for showdown newsletter

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6.Subscribe/Unsubscribe

To Unsubscribe
!remove

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The Catfish Showdown
John Moore
Phone: 434-372-3950
Warren Weston
Phone: 434-735-8106