Warm temperatures, in the 70’s, and a stable river one day turned to drastic weather on Saturday for the May 6, 2017 Cabela’s King Kat Tournament Trail on the Monongahela River at Morgantown, West Virginia. Rain, winds at 10 to 15mph and temperatures in the 50’s created an additional challenge to anglers as they witnessed a five-foot rise in the river.
More than 50 anglers from 5 different states, were competing for $5,500.00 in cash and prizes, as well as the opportunity to qualify for the 2017 Cabela’s King Kat Northern and Southern Championship. This year’s Northern Championship will be held September 22 and 23, 2017 at the Cumberland River (Old Hickory Lake), Gallatin, Tennessee. The Southern Championship will be held October 6 and October 7, 2017 at Lake Wateree, Camden, South Carolina.
Results for the Top Teams
Willie Smith and Nick Anderson, both of Frankfort, Ohio overcame the challenge and weighed in 60.16 pounds to claim top honors and take home the $3,000.00 check. The team fished a few miles downriver from Morgantown, on the bank in 3 feet of water using shad for bait.
They fished on the rope and found their fish staging behind logs. They landed 18 fish for the day. The team stated they were not affected by the rising water, since they did not get to pre-fish.
Taking second place were Mark Blauvelt of New Lebanon, Ohio and Shannon Dotson of Winchester, Ohio with a total weight of 59.54 pounds, which was good for a check of $1,500.00, plus an additional $440.00 for Big Fish, a 38.84-pound flathead. The team fished down river about an hour from Morgantown, finding their 12 fish in the mouth of a creek. Blauvelt and Dotson anchored in about five feet of water, using shad for bait. Mark stated that their fish were feeding on the food coming out of the creek into the river. 
Shannon Colley of Beaver, Ohio and Vince Nadosky of Winchester, Ohio took third place weighing in 53.10 pounds. The team fished down river as well, about an hour from Morgantown. They caught their fish in 20 feet of water on structure. The team used shad guts from Big Kat Bait Company to land 26 fish for the event. They earned a check for $500.00.
Organizers sent out a special thank you to David Plevich, with Morgantown CVB, for hosting the event. They also conducted a Kids Rodeo with about 30 kids out fishing on Saturday morning.
The trail set a new record at Morgantown. In the 9 years the event had been there, the 38,84 pound flathead, caught by B’n’M prostaffer Blauvelt,was the biggest yet!
NATIONAL SPONSORS:
Cabela’s The World’s Foremost Outfitter, Alumacraft, Adventure Products EGO Nets, RigRap, B ‘n’ M Poles, Minn Kota, Mercury Marine, Mustad Hooks, Driftmaster Rodholders, Gamma Line, Humminbird Electronics, World Fishing Network – WFN, Rippin’ Lips, Keep Alive, Cat River Anchors, Sunsect Sunscreen & Insect Repellent, Humminbird Lakemaster Maps, Digital EFX Wraps, Tentology, Crown Trophy, Gill Rainwear, Catfish Now, Whisker Wear and Allen Company.
For more information check out the King Kat website at: www.kingkatusa.com and like and follow them on the Cabela’s King Kat Facebook Page. Both sites contain photos, tournament results and great information on for catfish anglers.
