In its third year, and with a new format and name, the Pickwick Lake Catch-A-Dream Bass Classic held at Pickwick Landing State Park near Counce, TN, on May 30, 2015 was an overwhelming success, with a net proceed to the Catch-A-Dream Foundation of $10,500. After two solid years as a “Team Challenge” featuring a 2-Boat, 4-person team format, the tourney was renamed this year and consisted of single-boat, 2-angler teams. Joe Thomas, Host of the popular TV show “Stihl’s Reel in the Outdoors,” was a special guest, and did an outstanding job as Emcee at the Saturday weigh-in.
“Last year we had 27 teams with 54 boats. But some of our fishermen had difficulty putting together two boats and 4 fishermen, and we felt that we missed some entries for that reason,” said Tournament Co-Director Tony Browning, of B&H Outdoors, one of the three Presenting Sponsors. “So we re-formatted the tournament to a single boat event in hope that we could increase participation.” “It worked,” he added. “We had 85 boats this year!”
“Our net proceed was down slightly this year, but we expected that to occur,” said Sandie Cox, Co-Director of the Tournament. “Last year we had a contest among teams that encouraged them to raise funds for Catch-A-Dream in addition to their registration fees. With the change in format this year, we opted not to conduct the contest, but rather focus on attracting more teams,” she added Sandie’s husband, Shane, owner of Presenting Sponsor, Hammer Rods, added “Now that we’ve firmly established a credible and popular tournament that attracted a record number of boats, we’ll focus on growing the event both in size and in net proceed to Catch-A-Dream.”
Lance Walker of CrossPower, Inc, the third Presenting Sponsor, adds “We were hoping for 80 boats, and were blessed with more! Our entire group is pleased to be partnered with Catch-A-Dream, and the anglers have really embraced the tournament. I believe it will continue to grow.”
The tournament featured a 2-person team format, with anglers competing for over $13,000 in cash prizes. Eighty-five teams entered. Top prize of $5,000 was claimed by the team of David Allen and Jacob Feltman with a 5-fish limit weighing 30.32 lbs. The Big Bass title went to the team of Matt Irons and Bradley Johnson with a 9.60 lb lunker. Randy and Melinda Vires took home top prize in the new Couples Division with a weight of 15.72 lbs, while the father-son team of Todd and Austin Rasberry captured the new Youth Division title with 18.80 lbs.
“It makes my heart smile,” said Sandie Cox, “to know that we as a community of anglers can be a part of making such a big difference.” The Friday night registration banquet, auction and program was also a highlight, and set the tone for the entire week-end. “We appreciate First Baptist, Counce for the hospitality and use of their multi-purpose building for the banquet; the tournament could not have been as successful without their help,” Cox said. “Special thanks to the Youth Ministry at FBC Counce, and to Cross Power, Inc. of Counce for outstanding work in promoting every aspect of the tournament.”
Plans are already underway for the 4th annual Pickwick Lake Catch-A-Dream Bass Classic. The Committee will announce date and details for the 2016 tournament soon. For full tournament results, Click here. For more information visit the Tournament Facebook page.
