Fishing Creek – March 2nd, 2019
The Southeastern Catfish Club hosted its 7th tournament of the 2018-2019 season on Fishing Creek Reservoir Saturday, March 2nd, and it was another RECORD turnout! It was our 2nd time back to Fishing Creek this year, and we smashed the previous record with a total of 53 teams and 132 anglers eager to compete for their share of the $5,360 purse!
Rain, rain, and more rain! The region experienced another week of on-again, off-again rain raising the lake levels 3 to 4 feet above full pool. Teams that were able to prefish reported a great bite, but many wondered how the constant flow of current throughout the week would affect the bite on tournament day. In the end, teams reported a tough bite, but Jacob Williams and Lee Cowan of Team Bluehead brought home the win with a 75.70lb stringer collecting a whopping $2,640! They also had 2nd Big Fish of the tournament with a 34.90lb blue and added $290! If that wasn’t enough, they won $100 bonus from Jamie K Outdoors for buying bait bringing their grand total to $3,030!
Last year’s Points Champion Steve Whitley and Shane Owenby of Team 2nd String finished in 2nd place with a 55.40 stringer and collected an impressive $1,320 payday. Tournament trail vets Clay and Jason Henderson of Team Jamie K Outdoors finished in 3rd place with a 48.70lb stringer and collected an impressive $440 payday.
Husband-wife duo Sam and Amy Williams of Team Whisker Gitters had Big Fish of the Tournament with a bruiser 39.10 flathead and collected $670.
Congratulations to Jacob Williams and Lee Cowan of Team Bluehead on their 1st win of the season! The Season’s Points Race is getting tight coming down the home stretch, so the last few tournaments are going to get interesting for the teams at top!
The club is certainly growing by the record number of teams coming out to join the fun, but we should feel most proud of the camaraderie that runs deep through our members. A new tradition continued this month where the winners from the previous tournament gave away a portion of their earnings today. Some have chosen to reward the smallest stringer or the 4th place team. Gene Gaston and Jonathan Brunet Team Rod Down, who finished 2nd in last month’s tournament, rewarded $50 to the Team Backlash for their 2nd to last place finish. We appreciate you guys for keeping the tradition alive!
Finally, we would like to give a special Thank You to our sponsors that continually show their support to our club! They make the tournament experience that much more exciting for our members. Jamie Williams with Jamie K Outdoors gave away a $50 gift certificate to Team Bluehead for the random draw award. Jamie chose the 17th team that registered, and Jacob and Lee were at the right place at the right time. Jamie also gave away another $50 gift card to Team Katfish Mafia for having the smallest 2-fish stringer. The fellas at Lyt “N” Bugg, in quirky fashion, picked the team that had the closest weight to 39lbs without going over to award $50 cash. Team Knot Workin’ won the honors. Club member Shane Owenby with his new brand Rod Hog gave $50 of cold, hard cash to the 7th place team, and Team Lyn “N” Bugg took it home. Finally, Alan Long with Fish Bite Rod Holders gave $100 to the 3rd biggest fish, and it went to Team Jamie K Outdoors. It’s getting very interesting on what and how you can win, so be sure to stick around even though your team had a tough day!
As we announced last month, we had two national sponsors come onboard giving teams a chance to win additional bonus money and prizes. SeaArk paid a whopping $500 to the top finishing SeaArk, and Cary Vanden Brock and Andy Pitts of Team Knot Workin’ won the honors with their 37.65 lb stringer. Suzuki gave away a maintenance kit to the top finishing team that’s powered by a Suzuki outboard. Brothers Clay and Jason Henderson from Team Jamie K Outdoors won the incredible package with their 3rd place finish!
We’re gearing up for possibly one of the biggest tournaments in the history of our club next month on Lake Wateree! You don’t want to miss this one!
Tight Lines!
Brian Snipes and Josh Coggins
Total Weights
Total Weight
| Place | Team | Members | Total Weight | Big Fish | Tournament Points |
| 1 | Team Bluehead | Jacob Williams, Frank Wilson, Lee Cowan | 75.70 | 34.90 | 30 |
| 2 | Team 2nd String | Steve Whitley, Shane Owenby, Tyler Painter | 55.40 | 30.00 | 28 |
| 3 | Team Jamie K Outdoors | Clay Henderson, Jason Henderson, Jason Wolfe | 48.70 | 31.90 | 26 |
| 4 | Team Sparky | Ron Carden, Bill Carden, Todd Hendrix, Cade Hendrix | 47.25 | 19.05 | 24 |
| 5 | Team Whisker Gitters | Sam Williams III, Amy Williams, Sam Williams IV | 41.65 | 39.10 | 22 |
| 6 | Team Carolina Blues | Joshua Coggins, Jimmy Holbrook, Tim Coggins | 41.20 | 19.20 | 20 |
| 7 | Team Lyt “N” Bugg | Ken Kennamer, Mike Holcomb, Tracy Bingham | 39.50 | 18.35 | 19 |
| 8 | Team Knot Workin’ | Andy Pitts, Rylan Debruhl, Chris Debruhl, Tripp Cobb | 37.65 | 18.40 | 18 |
| 9 | Team Trophy Hunter | John Terry, Andy Hensley | 37.55 | 13.80 | 17 |
| 10 | Team DMT | David Catoe, Mike Rape, Tony Canthen | 34.85 | 13.05 | 16 |
| 11 | Team Backland Outdoors | Blake Williams, Jamie Williams, Gerald Beck | 33.90 | 23.35 | 15 |
| 12 | Team On The Prowl | Smiley Jessie, Roger Wolford | 32.05 | 21.25 | 14 |
| 13 | Team Rod Bender | Jeff Smith, Jamey Hargett, Ryan Smith | 32.00 | 11.95 | 13 |
| 14 | Team Whiskers Inc | Mark Phillips, Kyle Phillips, Brent Surratt, Mason Surratt | 31.75 | 11.30 | 12 |
| 15 | Team Cat Baby | Ken Frost, Bill Sutton | 31.70 | 11.80 | 11 |
| 16 | Team All Slimed Up | Joseph Spittle, Paige Spittle, Christopher Helms | 28.15 | 16.60 | 10 |
| 17 | Team Chasing Whiskers | Kyle Hefner, Caitlin Propheter, Larry Hefner | 27.75 | 14.40 | 9 |
| 18 | Team Tightline | Brian Snipes, Bubba Branch, Mason Brakefield | 26.10 | 14.95 | 8 |
| 19 | Team In God We Trust | David Faulkenberry, Reece Holley | 26.00 | 15.40 | 7 |
| 20 | Team Rip Lipp | Ashley Campbell, Jennifer Campbell | 25.75 | 15.80 | 6 |
| 21 | Team Keepin’ It Reel | Richard Warskow, Mark Turner | 25.25 | 9.70 | 5 |
| 22 | Team Henley | Hunter Henley, Bill Henley, Joel Henley | 25.10 | 15.00 | 5 |
| 23 | Team Heavy Cats | Randy Smith, Ned Davis | 23.95 | 9.15 | 5 |
| 24 | Team Carolina Wraiths | Steve Rorie, Chuck Rorie | 23.00 | 9.15 | 5 |
| 25 | Team Good Times | Gary Morton Jr., Gary Morton Sr. | 21.85 | 8.45 | 5 |
| 26 | Team Cat Snatch Fever | Phil Rollings, Wesley Rollings, Michael Thomas, Scoot Edwards | 20.30 | 12.10 | 5 |
| 27 | Team Lip Snatcher | Matt Tucker, Bobby Finley, Tyler Lockridge | 20.25 | 20.25 | 5 |
| 28 | Team Polekat | Benji Brown, Riley Brown, Lindsey Patterson | 19.25 | 16.55 | 5 |
| 29 | Team Drifting Stix | David Henderson, Landin Loftin, Timmy Patterson | 19.20 | 12.85 | 5 |
| 30 | Team All For One Outdoors | Michael Anderson, Samuel Edwards, John Phillips | 18.60 | 8.65 | 5 |
| 31 | Team Mr. Whiskers | John Faust, Laurie Faust, Cody Faust, Benny Mentesana | 16.65 | 16.65 | 5 |
| 32 | Team Bird | Will Bird, Jeff Bird, Will Bird Jr. | 15.75 | 7.15 | 5 |
| 33 | Team Katomatic | Jason Clinton, Chris Clinton, Garrett Adkins | 11.60 | 7.75 | 5 |
| 34 | Team Katfish Mafia | Chris Lunsford, Christopher Lunsford | 7.40 | 4.20 | 5 |
| 35 | Team Backlash | Joshua Hinson, Stacey Hinson, Josiah Hinson | 5.95 | 3.80 | 5 |
| 36 | Team Hard At It | Anthony Williams, Josh Christopher, Cameron Christopher, Layne Christopher | 5.75 | 5.75 | 5 |
The remaining teams did not weigh-in.
Total Weights
| Finish – Team – Anglers – Big Fish – Total Weight |
| 1. Team Y-Not Fishing: William Harvey, Watson Hayes, Tommy Hayes – 26.6 & 66 |
| 2. Team All Slimed Up: Joseph Spittle, Paige Spittle, Christopher Helms – 26 & 65.3 |
| 3. Team Adversity: Jeff Outz, Kenny Sudderht, Trent Brooks – 23.5 & 62.75 |
| 4. Team Rubber Ducky: Josh Rector, David Coleman, Aaron Buchanan – 23.1 & 53.6 |
| 5. Team Whisker Gitters: Sam Williams III, Amy Williams, Sam Williams IV – 28.5 & 52.5 |
| 6. Team Lee: Tyler Lee, Carly Wilcox – 17.45 & 47.75 |
| 7. Team Fat Cat: Zach Taylor – 17.1 & 46.4 |
| 8. Team Zero: Brian Crook, Dillan Crook, Matt Bass – 17.95 & 46.25 |
| 9. Team Backland Outdoors: Blake Williams, Jamie Williams, Gerald Beck – 20.15 & 44.9 |
| 10. Team R&J: Ronny Hughes, Johnny Jones – 16.7 & 44.1 |
| 11. Team Katomatic: Jason Clinton, Chris Clinton, Garrett Adkins – 20.5 & 43.85 |
| 12. Team Rod Down: Gene Gaston, Jonathan Brunet, Allison Brunet, Jennifer Gaston – 19.55 & 43.3 |
| 13. Team Jamie K Outdoors: Clay Henderson, Jason Henderson, Jason Wolfe – 18.75 & 42.7 |
| 14. Team Cat Baby: Ken Frost, Bill Sutton – 17.3 & 42.55 |
| 15. Team Good Times: Gary Morton Jr., Gary Morton Sr. – 20.5 & 42.45 |
| 16. Team Drifters: Arnold Hodge, Missy Mixon – 15.55 & 41.85 |
| 17. Team Tightline: Brian Snipes, Bubba Branch, Mason Brakefield – 17.3 & 40.35 |
| 18. Team Hard At It: Anthony Williams, Josh Christopher, Cameron Christopher, Layne Christopher – 18.35 & 39.15 |
| 19. Team Whiskers: Shane Queen, Quentin Queen, Toby Griffin, Ric Helms – 18.9 & 38.7 |
| 20. Team Keepin’ It Reel: Richard Warskow, Mark Turner – 15.85 & 38.35 |
| 21. Team Stanley: Mark Stanley, Owen Stanley, Neil Stanley – 16.2 & 37.6 |
| 22. Team 2 Deep: Donald Kirkley, Rick Kirkley, Russ Robinson, Tony Vick – 15 & 37.15 |
| 23. Team Katfish Mafia: Chris Lunsford, Christopher Lunsford – 13.05 & 37 |
| 24. Team Bluehead: Jacob Williams, Frank Wilson, Lee Cowan – 18.05 & 36.95 |
| 25. Team 2nd String: Steve Whitley, Shane Owenby, Tyler Painter – 13.5 & 36.15 |
| 26. Team Carolina Blues: Joshua Coggins, Jimmy Holbrook, Tim Coggins – 11.9 & 34.5 |
| 27. Team DMT: David Catoe, Mike Rape, Tony Canthen – 13.45 & 34.45 |
| 28. Team Reelin’ the Blues: Jeff Manning, Michael Paciocco – 10.9 & 34.1 |
| 29. Team Fish Bite Rod Holders: Alan Long, Lynn Long, Jeremy Callicut – 18.6 & 34 |
| 30. Team K&K Blue One: Kyle Barton, Ken Porter – 14.25 & 33.95 |
| 31. Team Ghetto Rig: Junior Warskow, Luke Chapman – 18.45 & 33.4 |
| 32. Team Hook & Reel: Lindsay Bigham, Dean Birch – 12.65 & 33.3 |
| 33. Team Brown Dog: Ray Waldrop, Tracey Waldrop, Grayson Waldrop – 15.2 & 32.95 |
| 34. Team Shake & Bake: Justin Allen, Matt Allen, Charles Allen – 18.8 & 32.75 |
| 35. Team S&S Xpress: Terrance Springs, Kenny Edwards, TJ Springs – 16.3 & 31.8 |
| 36. Team Lyt “N” Bugg: Ken Kennamer, Mike Holcomb, Tracy Bingham – 18.5 & 31.65 |
| 37. Team Cat Snatch Fever: Phil Rollings, Wesley Rollings, Michael Thomas, Scoot Edwards – 16.55 & 31.55 |
| 38. Team Bird: Will Bird, Jeff Bird, Will Bird Jr. – 11.75 & 30.5 |
| 39. Team Mr. Whiskers: John Faust, Laurie Faust – 13.8 & 30 |
| 40. Team Knot Workin’: Andy Pitts, Rylan Debruhl, Chris Debruhl, Tripp Cobb – 10.05 & 28.55 |
| 41. Team Rip Lipp: Ashley Campbell, Jennifer Campbell – 10.4 & 27.55 |
| 42. Team Catnip: Shane Lee, Doug Vick, Kyle Smith – 25.9 & 25.9 |
| 43. Team Chasing Whiskers: Kyle Hefner, Caitlin Propheter, Larry Hefner – 9.3 & 25.2 |
| 44. Team Stumpgrinder: Dale Sturgis, Nancy Sturgis – 16.25 & 25.1 |
| 45. Team Rod Bender: Jeff Smith, Jamey Hargett – 8.4 & 22.65 |
| 46. Team BNW: Billy Robertson, Joe Humphries, Will Robertson – 9.35 & 20.6 |
| 47. Team All For One Outdoors: Michael Anderson, Samuel Edwards, John Phillips – 8 & 19.05 |
| 48. Team Slime Disease: Tim Decker, Kenny Rector – 9.55 & 18.4 |
| 49. Team Salty Cat: Mark Pollard – 8.5 & 18.1 |
| 50. Team Whiskers Inc: Mark Phillips, Kyle Phillips – 7.85 & 14.4 |
| 51. Team Segars: George Segars, Jonathan Hilton – 6.4 & 14.15 |
