Two years ago the Hold’em Hook Catfish Trail was started by Steve Dobbs. “I started the trail on Wheeler Lake,” said Dobbs. “I host monthly events for anyone who wants to participate. The trail started in June and in October of 2015, Cad Daly and I put together the first Christmas for Kids Tournament.”
Good projects often start small. That first Christmas for Kids Tournament had eight teams competing. The rules were simple. Whoever caught the biggest catfish would win. David Shipman came out on top in the inaugural tournament by catching and weighed in a 72-pound blue catfish.
Shipman will be back to defend his title in 2016. It’s a great bunch of folks,” commented Shipman. “This tournament is for a great cause I hope it grows.”
That hope for growth is shared by many and like to come true. One year later the second edition of the Kids Tournament will be held on Wheeler Lake. “Our purpose is to help families who are struggling to provide for their children during the holidays,” said Dobbs. “We take all the entry money and any monetary donations to help as many families as possible with gifts for Christmas.”
Dobbs is optimistic about the Second Annual Christmas for Kids Tournament. “This year our tournament has had great response from sponsors and fisherman who are interested in participating. I am overwhelmed with all the responses from the community and the catfishing world, and looking forward to a wonderful event.”
“It all takes place on November 19 this coming Saturday,” said Cad Daly in a Facebook post. “Our Christmas for Kids Tournament will begin at 6 am with registration at Ingalls Harbor in Decatur, AL.
Daly went on to explain that there would be a Captains Meeting at 6:45 where the captain of every team must be in attendance. As soon as the captain meeting is over teams will begin to launch from the harbor. He advised anglers to “get there and get your boat ready. Have a team mate managing your boat so you can get started on time.”
Trailering is allowed. Those that are planning to travel to another ramp must first be at the captain meeting. Following the meeting you can depart for your launch. At the end of the day all boats must be on the trailer and in the weigh-in line at Ingalls Harbor by 3:00 pm.
The Details:
What: 2016 Catfish “Christmas for kid’s tournament”
When: November 19th 2016
Location: Joe Wheeler, Tennessee River (Captains meeting at Ingalls Harbor Decatur, AL at 6:45 am. You may leave and trailer to any other boat ramp after captains meeting)
Launch Time: 7:00 am
Weigh In: 3:00 pm (Must be in line at Ingalls Harbor)
Winners determined by:
1 fish entry, biggest weight will win grand prize pack
1 fish closes to 20lb prize will win prize
Other Prizes:
Prize pack for highest placing youth under 16
Prize pack for highest finishing Lady
No limit on rods or people in boat, as long as you are legal per Alabama fish and game regulations.
Prize Pack Includes:
Free entry to JKV Paul Strouth Tournament January 28th, 2017
Free entry to Winter Blues on Wheeler Dec 31st, 2016
Package from Bottom Dwellers Tackle & Driftmaster Rod Holders
Package from Whiskerwearapparel.com
Package from Daly and Son Car Care, O’Reilly Auto Parts
Custom Built rod from Tommy Roberts TOMCAT Rods
Fish life products from Jody Harrison
All tournament proceeds with go to benefit Kids for Christmas!
Good luck to all the anglers. Be safe and have a productive day in the name of Kids for Christmas. #catfishclass
