Richmond VA is the location of the Bass Pro Shops Big Cat Quest 2016 Classic. The Oct. 22 and 23, 2016 event will hold registration on Friday, Oct 21, at the Bass Pro Shops in Richmond, VA. The entry fee is $200.
The event allows trailering so anglers can launch from various ramps on the James River, a location that offers plenty of big fish possibilities. Fishing begins at 6:00 a.m. both days, but ends at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday and noon on Sunday. Anglers may fish the James River and its tributaries each day. All weigh-in activities will be at Osborne Landing, 9530 Osborne Turnpike, Henrico, VA.
Paul Blackwell will be fishing the BCQ Classic with Kaleb Page (Catch the Fever). “Prefishing, time of year and water temps play a big part of the pattern the fish will be in,” said Blackwell. “Our expectations are to do well. We both have experience on the river. Kaleb is from NC, but fishes the James River regularly, so that gives us an edge. I fished a tournament there earlier in the year and placed eighth.”
Page agrees with Blackwell on the importance of water temperature. “I’m excited to be fishing with Paul,” commented Page. “The big bite is on right now for the James River, but it can be very tough during the day when the water temps are up, the sun is high and it’s hot outside. Weather temperatures for this week are going to be in the 80’s leading up to event and that will warm the water temps back up around the 70-degree mark. High temps can affect the daytime bite.”
“Weather forecasters are calling for a high of 64 on Saturday, and that might help,” offered Page. “Sunday they are predicting continued cool weather with a high of 65 degrees. With day-two being the second day of cooler weather, I believe the biggest fish will be caught early Sunday morning.”
The James River will likely see some anglers bumping bottom and others on the rope. “The majority of anglers will be anchored,” predicted Blackwell, “Still, I expect the guys that know how to bump, will. More than likely we’ll do both. I like to back bump while anchored. I don’t think anyone will try to drift it, but that depends on current. I’ve had a goal to beat my personal best this year and I’m hoping to do it next weekend. That’s my goal anyway.”
The championship event format includes multiple hourly paybacks. The weigh-ins begin with the 7:00 to 8:00 am hour each day. On Sat. Oct. 22, 2016 the last weigh-in will be the 2:00 to 3:00 pm hour. On Sunday the last payback weigh-in hour is 11:00 to noon. Anglers will be fishing for $20,000 in cash and prizes.
Hourly payouts create a new level of strategy in tournament fishing. “The hourly tournament format has its pros and cons,” says Blackwell. “The upside is that everyone has a chance at winning a lot of money. On the downside, if you’re on good/big fish it’s hard to leave that spot to go weigh in every hour. It could take away a lot of your fishing time, running up and down the river. Overall I like it.”
The hourly format adds plenty of excitement to the weigh-in with fish coming in all day long. The hourly payments also tend to spread the wealth among many anglers too. In addition to the four hourly cash prizes, winners are named in the Overall, Top Female, Top Senior (55 and older), Top Young Angler (13 to 17) and Top Youth (12 and under).
The public is invited and encourage to attend the weigh-in at Osborne Landing.
For more information, visit the website at kenfreemanoutdoorpromotions.com, email Ken Freeman at ken@kenfreemanoutdoorpromotions.com or phone Ken at 731-234-1888.
