May 6, 2006

Strong Currents Bring Big Wins at the Bass ProShop's Big Cat Quest

The weather had been less than perfect the week before the Bass ProShop's Big Cat Quest presented by Coca-Cola on May 6th, 2006 from Ken Freeman Outdoor Promotions.

The Tennessee River had been on the rise and the current was fast. Rain pelted down until the day of the tournament at Birdsong Resort and Marina. With prevailing winds and clouds looming from an incoming cold front, the tournament started off with a bang and 82 participants despite adverse water conditions.

Ronnie Strickland from Millington, TN. weighd in the first hour with a 21.15 pound catfish. Throughout the day, every hour, catfish were weighed, and Ronnie's fish held firm. And just like in the other Big Cat Quest hourly tournaments, the suspense continued to build. Sure enough, in the last hour, in strolled Ray Ferguson from Knoxville, TN.,edg-ing Strickland out of the top spot into second and a $1000.00. Ray had a 27.15 pound fish which won him a new Sea-Ark boat and Suzuki motor. Third place was deemed to Mike King from Collierville, TN. with a 17.75 cat. Bruce Paulk of Corinth, MS. was close behind in fourth position when he presented a 13.85 pounder. Rounding out the fifth place was Kenneth Darling from Pocahontas, TN. and his 11.50 fish. True to form, the Big Cat Quest tourney awarded more than $10,000 in cash and prizes.

Residents from Camden and Birdsong brought their children and participated in the kids' event. Gifts and prizes from Plano tackle boxes to Zebco rods and reels were given away. Ken Freeman, as always, is very appreciative of Coca-Cola for their help and support as well as, Bob Keast and staff at Birdsong. "Weather is always a factor, but these guys made it look easy on these waters." Ken exclaimed, " Catfishing just keeps growing and the best is yet to come!"

Keeping Your Tournament-Caught Bass Alive
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