Higgins Ferry to host 24-hour catfish roundup

Published 1:35 pm Friday, May 26, 2017

Fishing for 24 hours seems like a dream for avid fishermen. That dream will become a reality with the Second Annual Coosa River Catfish Roundup on June 9 and 10.

The event will be held at Higgins Ferry and will begin at the park’s boat ramp at 6 p.m. on June 9 and the weigh-in will take place at 6 p.m. on June 10.

Judson Akin started the competition last year, as a unique option for those who share a passion for catfish.

“I had nothing but positive feedback from everybody that I talked to last year,” Akin said. “It makes you proud to see that people enjoyed themselves.”

There are subtle changes prepared for year two that according to Akin help give the event a more “official” feel.

Some of the changes include raising the limit of allowed members per team from three to four.

Children 12 years old and younger can accompany any boat entered and will no longer be counted as a team member.

“This will help insure that it is a family event that everyone can enjoy,” Akin said.

A portion of the proceeds from the tournament will go to help fund a summer field trip for kids attending the YMCA.

T-shirts will be handed out at the weigh-in for each participant.

Akin invites anybody to come out and watch the weigh-in process.

According to Akin, the best part is to see the faces of amazement from kids and adults alike as the teams bring in their final fish.

“You’ve got kids watching fish come in that are bigger than they are,” Akin said.

Last year’s winners brought in a combined weight of over 111 pounds of fish to the weigh-in.

The value of the top prize will be determined based on the final number of boats entered.

For more information about the tournament or how to get involved, call (205) 299-1989 or email Judson.akin@ymail.com.