A hurricane, the infamous Snow Bowl, $8,400 raised for the Lake Wylie Children’s Charity, and over 10,000 lbs of catfish weighed are just a few highlights that made up the inaugural season of the Southeastern Catfish Club.  61 different teams consisting of over 150 unique anglers fished the 2016-2017 season over the course of 9 months.  The points race stayed close throughout the season, but in the end, one team was crowned champions!

On Saturday, June 10th, we hosted the first annual awards banquet at the Catawba Fish Camp.  It was a time for us to come together as a club, join in fellowship to reflect on a great season, and relive some of the crazy stories that transpired over the season.  We raised several rule changes, nominated a Bad Weather committee, but more importantly, took time to recognize a few teams that stood above the rest.  Check out the highlights below.

 

2016-2017 Season’s Points Champions
Team Reelin’ the Blues: Jeff Manning & Michael Paciocco

These guys show that consistency pays off in the long run.  With 6 finishes in the top 6 and an outright win at the December tournament, Jeff and Michael took home 1st place in the points race and won $1,743 bonus money, champion trophies, custom champions shirts and cups, a spool of Slime Line, and their names will be adorned on the side of the tournament trailer.

2016-2017 Season’s Points Runner-up
Team Trophy Hunter: John Terry

Only getting edged out by 8 points, John had a solid year.  He was awarded with the runner-up trophy, a custom SCC mug, a spool of Slime Line, and $747.

2016-2017 Big Fish of the Year
Team Razor’s Edge: Michael Crotts & Ray Morton

A 60lb blue was caught during the first tournament of the year, and many folks thought it would hold up.  Michael and Ray had different plans when they brought a 63.15lb monster blue to the scales during the April tournament at Lake Wateree and easily earned them Big of the Year honors.  They received a bonus of $536, BFOTY trophies, and Gamma Fishing Line gift cards.

Sportsman of the Year
Strawberry Wooten

It was up to the club to award the first Sportsman of the Year.  Votes were cast by the club based on the member who always willing to share advice, gave away bait, helped with boat issues, or was just an all-around gentleman during our tournaments.  Strawberry took home the award and also won an E-Z Flow Bait Tank and Aerator System donated by Jamie K Outdoors.

Rookie of the Year
Team Keepin’ It Reel: Richard Warskow & Chris Lundsford

High marks to this team for finishing 6th overall in the points race in their first year fishing with the club.  They won a Big Cat Fever rod and a spool of Slime Line.

Smallest Stringer Award
Team Good Times: Gary Morton & Caleb Sturgis

During the November tournament at Fishing Creek, Gary and Caleb weighed in a whopping 3.65 lbs of fish and easily took home this award.  For their efforts, they won some a brand new rod and reel to help reel in more monsters like the one they brought to the scales that day.

Tight Lines!

Brian Snipes and Josh Coggins