Tournament features two fish weigh-in
Santee Cooper waters from the Pinopolis Lock up to the Rimini Railroad Trestle will be full of whisker whackers on November 17 and 18, 2017. The lakes of Santee Cooper are growing in reputation as a big catfish destination. Those waters are a perfect location for a major tournament and Black’s Camp Big Cat Shootout promises to be just that.
Kevin Davis, owner/operator of Black’s Camp, was inspired by a tournament held earlier in the year, based out of his facility. That earlier tournament was the Santee Cooper Monster Cat Quest put on by Chris and Mandy Gains, and Jimmy and Layla Dylyska Holbrook. It was a well-run and successful tournament that is scheduled again in 2018 on April 12 through 14.
As Davis observed the operation of the tournament an idea began to form in his mind. What he saw was great organization and planning on the part of the tournament directors and enthusiasm on the part of the anglers.
“The Santee Cooper Monster Cat Quest held at Blacks Camp last spring really inspired me,” wrote Davis in a Facebook post. “(It was)…the efforts of the great people who put the tournament on, the sponsors that came aboard, and especially the fishermen. Never before have I seen a group of catfish tournament anglers so professional and organized. All fish were released unharmed, every one carried themselves as professional fishermen should…”
With that statement, and the recognition that the sport of catfishing is growing rapidly, Davis announced Black’s Camp Big Cat Shootout.
“The great sport of catfishing is growing by leaps and bounds,” said Davis. “This shootout will be a platform that should grow to amazing proportions. I’m going to do my best to get some of my sponsors involved. Together we have an opportunity to take catfish tournaments to the next level! The Shootout will be held on Nov. 17 and 18.”
Davis describes the Shootout as a high stake, 100% payout, catfish tournament. He is fond of making the statement, “Big entry fees equal big payouts.” And, that is exactly what he wants this tournament to be.
Looking ahead, those dates are in a new moon phase in the Fall and Davis is expecting some giant catfish to be weighed in on each of the two fishing days, Friday and Saturday.
Davis places catfish conservation high on his list of priorities. “As tournament fishermen we should be staunch conservationists when it comes to our sport,” stated Davis. “Especially with trophy fish.”
With that thought as a guiding principle, Davis announced a two fish per day weigh-in for the Shootout.
“Fish will be weighed alive and healthy and be released,” instructed Davis. “It is the sole discretion of the tournament director to determine the health of the fish. Anglers should keep their fish healthy by using a large livewell or tank.”
Good fish health guidelines include keeping the water cool and using oxygen as needed. They should also use special care in handling the fish, trying not to drop them. Most savvy anglers know that if a fish is caught in deep water they should be brought to the surface slowly. If you get one to the boat and it does appear to need help you may need to burp it. (If you don’t know how to burp a catfish there are videos on YouTube to show you.) Davis wants everyone to do their best to engage in good fish health practices.
Fishing begins each day at 7:00 am. Anglers can be on their spot and ready to fish. Tournament rules indicate that boats do not have to launch from weigh-in site at Black’s Camp. But boats DO have to be present at the weigh-ins.
Davis also asks that anglers be professional and presentable at weigh-in. Lots of media will be on hand and tournament photos will be “all over the place.”
Outdoor media will be allowed on tournament boats. If you would like to have media present on your boat, call Kevin Davis at Blacks Camp. Media are on the boat strictly for information gathering, videos and photos. They cannot participate in fishing whatsoever. No casting, netting, reeling fish in, offering advice, etc.
Rules also state that random polygraph tests may or may not be given. Cheating will not be tolerated. If a team is caught cheating they will be disqualified and be given over to the Berkeley County Sheriff.
LODGING – Lodging is available at Hills Landing, Canal Lakes, and Harry’s. More lodging opportunities can be found by visiting www.santeecoopercountry.org.
ENTRY FORM -The entry fee is $500.00 per team with a maximum of four persons on a team. There is an optional $50.00 big fish pot. Visit the Black’s Camp Big Cat Shootout Facebook page and scroll down to the July 20, 2017 post that contains the entry form.
RULES – Visit the Facebook page and scroll on down to the July 16 post that contains the tournament rules.
WEIGH-INS – The Friday weigh-in is set at 4:00 pm and the Saturday weigh-in is set at 5:00 pm. All teams must be in the weigh-in line by those times. The public is invited and welcome to attend.
For more information visit the Shootout Facebook page.
