Mississippi River Monsters was a dream of George Young Jr. He wanted to bring a catfish tournament to the Mississippi River out of Memphis. “Mud Island had the facilities and the Mississippi River had the fish,” commented Young following the tournament. “It was intimidating and exciting at the same time.”
Plenty of catfish anglers shared Young’s sentiments. Those that would be fishing the Mississippi River for the first time were a little intimidated and those that fished it before knew what the river could produce and forecast a great weigh-in. In the end, 184 teams showed up to fish the highly anticipated event where 4,907 pounds of Mississippi River catfish were weighed in. Several of those teams had a common sponsor.
There were lots of orange jerseys at the various venues used by the tournament, including the Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid where the captains meeting and the weigh-in were held. I caught up with a few of the B’n’M Poles prostaff team to ask them what they thought about the tournament.
“I felt for the first year, getting that many boats, and it running as smooth as it did, was pretty amazing” said Jason Aycock. “I believe having Fish Life there as weighmaster was one of the best moves that a tournament director could make in an event that big. The weigh-in was held pretty far from the ramp but it went pretty smooth.”
“Having the weigh-in at the Pyramid was great,” continued Aycock. “I feel that Memphis is one of the greatest places any catfish tournament could be held if it’s done the right way. Mississippi River Monsters exceeded my expectations.”
Aycock’s fellow B’n’M team member and fishing partner, Hunter Jones agreed and felt it had a positive impact on the sport. “I thought it was the Super Bowl of all tourneys! This tournament brought out the best of the best, including lots of faces that I’ve never seen. Mississippi River Monsters was just what we need to keep the sport of catfishing growing. I thought George and all the staff did a really good job and I can’t wait till 2017!”
Jay Gallop offered his praise and some friendly suggestions for next year. “To be the first one that George directed I thought he did an outstanding job, but there is always room for improvement,” stated Gallop. “The meeting started an hour late and the weigh in took an hour too long. Those hours cut into the preparations a lot of us have to go thru the night before a tournament and a long drive home when it’s over.”
“All things considered I think George did an outstanding job in his first time to direct a tournament. To have the prizes and money that he had in his first year was very impressive.”
“I have no doubt that Joey and I will fish Mississippi River Monsters next year,” concluded Gallop. “I believe that the tournament will continue to grow and improve.”
Joey Pounders enjoyed the opportunity to meet other catfish anglers and was pleasantly surprised at the smooth operation of the tournament.
“The first thing I think is about when entering a tournament with 184 boats is how much chaos is fixin’ to happen,” said Pounders. “With that said I believe the tournament was run as professionally and efficiently as possible. George and his staff did a great job. Keep in mind they were going from 2:30 AM to 9:00 PM or longer.”
“The tournament drew teams from all over the nation and gave individuals an opportunity to physically meet the pros and other angers instead of reading about them or just seeing them on Facebook. This is an important element in growing the sport. I also believe that having it on the Mississippi River is a major plus.”
“I personally think that the Mississippi River Monsters and the Monsters on the Ohio (182 boats last year) represent where the sport of catfishing is going.”
These B’n’M team members were not alone in praising the inaugural event. Social media was filled with congratulatory remarks, suggestions for next time and an excitement for being there again next year.
Whisker Whackers and CatfishNOW would like to add their congratulations for a job well done.
