Big blue cats are sure to come to the scales at Decatur, Ala.
Louisville, KY – February 25, 2020 – Catfish anglers from several states will travel to Wheeler Lake at Decatur, Ala. for a King Kat Tournament Trail event presented by Bass Pro Shops Cabela’s. Local and traveling anglers will be vying for cash, prizes, and an opportunity to compete at the 2020 King Kat Classic which will feature a guaranteed payout of $120,000 in cash and prizes.
Anglers fishing the March 14, 2020 event will be testing their catfishing skills against other anglers and whatever Mother Nature has in store. Wheeler Lake is known for big catfish and plenty are expected at the weigh-in.
Wheeler adapts nicely to all kinds of fishing methods so regardless of how angler’s fish, anyone will have a chance to catch a “pig.” A little luck never hurts, but good fresh bait will likely be the key to a winning bag and possibly a personal best. Just like on most of the Tennessee River, skipjack is king.
How to Enter
Teams may consist of one to three anglers but limits are based on a two-person team. Early registration can be accomplished on the King Kat website at https://www.kingkatusa.com/Tournament_Registration.cfm. Teams may also enter by calling (502) 384-5924 or by entering at the mandatory pre-tournament seminar on the night before the tournament begins. Late entries are subject to a $25.00 late fee.
Participating anglers must be a member of the King Kat Association (KKA). Membership is $30.00 for adults and $15.00 for spouse and youth memberships. Other membership levels are outlined on the King Kat website. Each membership will include a subscription to the Outdoor Journal. It is the official publication of the King Kat Association and one of the top catfishing fishing publications in the nation.
Ray Hubbard Steve Jones, Travis Brown. Phot
Registration and Seminar
A pre-tournament seminar will be held the day before the tournament at the Ingalls Harbor Pavilion, 701 Market Street, Decatur, AL 35601.
Sign up will begin at 5:00 pm. The Seminar and National Sponsor Field Test Product Drawing starts at 7:00 pm local time. This seminar is open to the public. Those individuals not fishing the event are encouraged to attend and meet top catfish anglers from several different states.
The Weigh-In Site
The tournament weigh-in will be held at Ingalls Harbor, 701 Market St. NW, Decatur, AL beginning at 3:00 pm and anglers must be in the weigh-in line by 4:00 pm. This is the perfect opportunity for non-competitors to learn how the big ones are caught. Interviews of the top 5 teams are conducted following the final weigh-in.
Sponsor
Decatur Morgan County Tourism welcomes all King Kat anglers and their guests to the area and invites them to take the opportunity to enjoy the local attractions. More information on the area can be found at http://www.decaturcvb.org/.
Host Lodging
Many of the Decatur Morgan County hotels offer discounts to King Kat participants. Let them know you are visiting with the King Kat Tournament when you register.
Free Kids Fishing Rodeo
A FREE Catfish Kids Fishing Rodeo will be held in conjunction with the tournament. Sign up is Saturday morning at the weigh-in site—Ingalls Harbor.
The event is free of charge and open to all youth 12 years old and younger. An adult must accompany all participating children. Sign up is from 8:00 am until 9:00 am with fishing from 9:00 am until 11:00 am. The Fishing Rodeo is a chance for children of the area to get out and enjoy nature, do a little fishing and win some prizes. All participants are eligible for a chance to win one of six $1,000 scholarships presented by Outdoor Promotions. The scholarships are awarded annually at the Cabela’s King Kat Classic.
Outdoor Promotions and participating anglers have contributed $360,000.00 to youth scholarships since 1997. They are very proud to be a part of the education process for the youngsters who participate in the tournaments as adult/youth teams and those who fish in the Outdoor Promotions Kids Fishing Rodeos.
The Classic Championship
This year’s Cabela’s King Kat Classic Championship will be held October 30 – 31, 2020 on Milford Lake in Milford, KS. The Classic features a guaranteed payout of $120,000 in cash and prizes. The points race is set to pay out $30,000 to the top 20 places based on the competitor’s the top-five finishes.
National Sponsors
Bass Pro Shops Cabela’s King Kat Tournament Trail sponsors include Bass Pro Shops Cabela’s, Excel Boats, Mercury Marine, Mustad Hooks, Humminbird, Minn Kota, B’n’M Poles, Gamma Line, Driftmaster Rod Holders, Ego Nets, Xtreme Bait Systems, Clear Boards, EFX Graphics, Catfish Now, Fin n’ Frames, WavePro, and Crown Trophy.
For more information on the championship and other King Kat activities visit their website at www.kingkatusa.com. Anglers can also follow the trail on the King Kat Facebook Page.
