Bojangle's Catfish Classic is May 19-20

We are quickly moving up on the Second Annual Bojangle's Catfish Classic, sponsored by the Neuse Sport Shop. The two-day event is scheduled for May 19-20.

The purpose of the event is to bring catsfishermen from around the state to reveal the catfishing Mecca that the Neuse River holds.

Bojangle's and the Neuse Sport Shop are putting up $5,000 for a guaranteed purse. In addition, 50 percent of the $100 entry fee will also be paid back. Last year's 55 teams produced an $8,650 purse. This amount of prize money will exceed most bass tournaments.

The Lenoir County section of the Neuse has possibly some of the best big catfishing in the state. Local anglers have known about the bounty our river holds but they have wisely kept it a secret.

With the introduction of Blue and Flathead catfish back some 20 years, the fishing has really come on strong. Cats in the 40 to 60-pound class are not uncommon.

When you see one of these basketball head-sized Cats for the first time, it will take your breath away. It's hard to believe that such a small body of water can produce fish of this magnitude.

If these anglers catch the quality and size cats that I think they will, it will take at least 150 pounds and possibly 200 pounds to win the upcoming event. Last year's winners posted right under 150 pounds.

The competitors will only be allowed to bring five fish to the scales each day with a two-day total of 10 fish. Each boat will be allowed up to three or four anglers per boat and they can only use six rod and reels at the time. There is no restriction on what type of bait they can use. However, all fish must be caught on conventional rod and reels. No limb lines or Trot Lines can be used.

We do have some rules that will apply, but each entry form comes with these listed.

There will also be a boundary that all fishing must take place. It runs from Hardy's Bridge West downstream to Oak Bridge East (N.C. 55). This will give the competitors approximately 20 miles of fishing area.

All fish must be alive when weighed so they can be released and caught again. With this in mind, the scales will be open at 8 a.m. each morning. The weigh site will be at the Kinston Nature Center each day, so don't miss it. All anglers must be in by 3:30 p.m.

At the moment, our only problems are low river levels. Hopefully, we can get some rain like the last couple days and fill it up. In the event of extreme low water, we will have an alternate plan.

Entries have already started to come in. For an entry form, you can go to the Neuse Sport Shop to sign up, call me at (252) 527-0918 or visit www.bojanglesproam.com to print one.

I visualize this annual event bringing people from all over to Kinston to see what a good fishery our section of the Neuse River holds.

In closing, consider this a reminder of opening day for 2007 Wild Turkey will begin on Saturday and run until May 21. Maybe this year's season will produce some new stories.