CVB, Cabela's bring Fishing Tournament to Morgantown

First place winner receives $3,000

Morgantown Dominion Post
8 June 2009
By Alex Lang

Fishing enthusiasts are scheduled to descend on Morgantown this weekend for the Cabela's KingKat fishing event.

Between 50 and 100 fishermen and women are coming to Morgantown to try to land the biggest catfish in the Monongahela River, said David Plevich, sports/special events manager with the Greater Morgantown Convention Visitors Bureau (CVB).

The event is scheduled for 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. Fish will be weighed at 3 p.m. at Hazel Ruby McQuain at 3 p.m. at Hazel Ruby McQuain Park.

Teams will consist of two people in each boat, and they can fish from the Opeskia Locks to the Lock and Dam No. 4, Plevich said. Teams are allowed to have a third member if one of the participants is under 16 or over 65.

This is the first time the tournament will be in Morgantown. Plevich said they are working to make this an annual event.

"We really believe this is going to grow," Plevich said.

Tanner Tabbor, tournament director for Cabela's, said about half the tournaments Cabela's schedules every year are at new sites. When it visits Morgantown, it will be the farthest northeast it has held an event.

While many may not think the Monongahela River has many fish, Tabbor said he talked with the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources, and the river has many catfish, with a large concentration near Morgantown.

Participants will compete for prizes: $3,000 will go to first place, $1,000 to second place and $500 to third place. There will also be a $500 prize for whoever catches the largest catfish. The top 20 finishers will also qualify for the Cabela's KingKat Classic in Alabama later in the year.

In addition to providing fun for those who fish, the event will have an economic impact on the area, Plevich said. Many of the fishermen are coming in to pre-fish and find out what the waters are like before the actual event. They are staying in hotels and eating at area restaurants, which helps boost the local economy.

Tabbor said the event is more than a short-term boost to the economy — he hopes people remember about fishing in Morgantown and return years later.

"We want to get people from outside the area to come and to fish," Tabbor said. "Then when its time to take a trip, they remember how many fish they caught and say `Let's take a trip up there.' "

There is also an event that children will be able to participate in, Plevich said. Kids 12 and under will be able to fish at Dixon Lake in Cassville. Longview Power is providing T-shirts to the children as well as free food. Kids can fish from 9-11 a.m., with registration beginning at 8 a.m.

Plevich, who is a fisherman, said he hopes the kids' event attracts youngsters who are fishing for the first time. He said he's hopeful they can help grow the sport in the area.

As for youngsters who don't fish, this event is a good time to start.

"As we say in the business," Plevich said, "we hopefully will hook them on the sport."

REGISTRATION for the adult fishing tournament can be done over the phone at (270) 395-6774, or from 5-7 p.m. Friday at Hazel Ruby McQuain Park Amphitheater. The cost is $200 per boat. The Children's event registration is free from 8-9 a.m. Saturday at Dixon Lake in Cassville, site of the children's tournament.